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In snowboarding, the natural elements—accumulated snowfall, uneven terrain and high elevation—can become your greatest rival or your greatest ally.

Conquering a snow-capped mountain means discovering a sense of personal achievement, freedom and reward.

For 14 college teams, adding to the inherent thrill of snowboarding was the task of designing and making their own snowboards out of paper.

The April 3 race at Winter Park Resort in Colorado was the final portion of the Energy Challenge, a national competition that encourages students to design and build full-scale projects out of paper materials. The snowboards were made from corrugated board, paperboard or other cellulose fiber-based material.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Institute of Paper Science and Technology at Georgia Tech, DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Never Summer Snowboards sponsored the Energy Challenge.

The purpose of the challenge is to increase interest in science and engineering and to teach concepts of energy use and waste reduction in the pulp and paper industry, described as the second most energy-intensive industry in the U.S.

Students from Georgia Institute of Technology, Lamar University, Miami University of Ohio, Mississippi State, North Carolina State, Pasadena City College, Savannah College of Art and Design, Spartan School of Aeronautics, the College of Environmental Science and Forestry at the State University of New York, Temple University, University of Central Florida, University of Colorado at Denver, University of Maine and Western Michigan University participated.

Mike Long, executive director of the Solid waste Authority of Central Ohio, joined household hint diva Heloise on her nationwide radio program in March.

Long shared hints and insights on recycling and using recycled products with listeners of Heloise’s show on the Liberty Broadcasting Network. Long’s appearance was broadcast live from the Greater Columbus Home and Garden Show at the Ohio Expo Center.

DO NOT PASS GO

Recycling Works LLC, Decatur, Ga., has developed Recyclopoly, an environmentally minded board game that teaches players effective ways to reduce, reuse and recycle post-consumer packaging.

The game helps to reinforce math, reading and writing skills in addition to increasing players’ knowledge of recycling principles and practices.

Recyclopoly players seek to sell their recyclable commodities, such as paper and aluminum, while collecting environmental rewards each time they pass "Let’s Recycle."

Production of the game begins in April. Those interested in ordering copies can call (404) 822-9698 for more information.

Recycling Works is an environmental awareness organization dedicated to educating adults and children on recycling, litter control, resource conservation, waste reduction and air and water pollution prevention by developing and distributing age-appropriate training modules, board games, video materials and interactive media.