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Lars Lawson

Amy Sieferman: IRC Recycling Rock Star

Updated: Sep 15, 2021

Celebrate the awesomeness of Amy Sieferman by making a donation to the IRC in her honor. Your tax-deductible contribution will help the IRC reach its 30th Anniversary fundraising campaign goal and helps fund our education and advocacy projects – and more


For 25 years, Amy Sieferman has diligently served Indiana’s youth through her environmental education programs. While her colleagues know her as a successful science communicator, many young students know her as “the Worm Lady.” Through her hands-on teaching, children from grades K-12 learn about the circular economy. 

Sieferman has delivered STEM programs to well over 100,000 students throughout her impressive career. Her topics explore composting (hence the nickname), recycling, soil health and agriculture, to name a few. In 2005, she dedicated her talents to the Hendricks County Solid Waste Management District and has served as the Outreach Coordinator ever since. Not only does she work with students, but she avidly works with their schools to provide recycling programs and bins.

When teaching students, Sieferman incorporates an element of fun through educational activities. Some popular activities include building toy cars from water bottles, “pumpkin chunkin’,” and acting out the life cycle of natural resources. She always adapts her programs to exceed the education standards for the state.

“I have the best job because I see the kids understand it,” says Sieferman. “They know what the rules are, sometimes better than adults do. It’s very inspiring.”

By displaying the wonderful world of sustainability to Hoosier children, she educates two generations in one. Kids return home with fresh knowledge and new habits, and they help their families navigate through any confusion. In fact, parents often recognize Sieferman as the person who sparked their children’s interest in recycling. But most importantly, these children learn that their efforts matter. They understand the value in the small steps towards creating big change.

Never one to sit still, Sieferman stays actively involved in the community beyond education. Every year she leads a shoe donation event in Hendricks County known as Recycle Heart and Sole. In addition, she fosters productive relationships with the Avon Outdoor Learning Center, the Hendricks County Partnership for Water Quality, the Hendricks County Parks Department, the YMCA, Ray’s Trash, Republic Services and more.

Written by Holland Cluff


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