On Earth Day, students at Gudith Elementary School got their hands a little dirty - in the best way possible - while learning an important lesson about sustainability.
Through a partnership with Smurfit Westrock, Gudith Elementary hosted the TICCIT program (“Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees”), an engaging, hands-on initiative designed to teach elementary students that trees are a renewable, sustainable resource.
More than 435 students participated in the event, which featured an interactive presentation about the lifecycle of trees, the role they play in everyday products like paper and packaging, and why recycling is so important. Students visited five different stations in the library to plant their own tree seedlings in paperboard cartons. This innovative method allows the carton to act as a protective water funnel when planted in the ground at home. As the seedling grows, the carton naturally breaks down, completing the sustainability cycle.
This year’s event was made even more special with the involvement of the Brownstown Fire Department, who joined volunteers from Smurfit Westrock to support students throughout the planting process and help bring the experience to life.
“The TICCIT program made a wonderful impact on our students, one that will last many years to come,” said Tom Martin, Gudith Elementary School Principal.
TICCIT, developed by the Paperboard Packaging Council, continues to grow each year. After helping plant more than 10,000 trees in schools across the country and beyond last year, the program is aiming to double its impact in 2026 - reaching 20,000 trees planted in communities around the world.
For Gudith Elementary students and staff, the day’s experience was more than just a fun activity - it was a meaningful opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world environmental stewardship. As students take their seedlings home to plant with their families, they’re also taking with them a deeper understanding of how small actions can make a big difference for our planet.