There aren't many stories out there which point out the value of collecting of solid waste. Those of us who do it know it's a dirty job and often a thankless job, and often we simply taken for granted ... that is, until we stop doing it, and then suddenly we become kind of important! Well, here's a story about this very thing, and it's intended for the kids. It's actually a story about what happens if we don't do what we do. The story focuses on a truck, which is personified (kinda like Thomas the Tank Engine), and this truck has a bit of a self-esteem problem -- that is, he's not even sure himself how valuable he really is. (I'm sure no one who crews a garbage truck has occasionally felt that way?)
I do a lot of elementary school outreach, and usually it's for the school's "career day" (ages K-4) I get the chance to sing the praises of the solid waste professionals who collect the trash, and I get to showcase the equipment (and at least two operators) in the process. The kids love it! In fact, the feedback I get from school after school is that the solid waste folks outshine the police, the fire department and even the Coast Guard (I can say that because I was in the Coast Guard, and very proud of that, I might add). The kids think our trucks are awesome (and it's partially because I demonstrate their use -- I make it fun for them to see an automated sideloader as well as a knuckleboom in action; not just do a static display). It gives me a great chance to tell the kids at an impressionable age the valuable service we perform and how they can partner with us in preserving our environment and conserving our resources. (If you haven't used your solid waste trucks for this purpose, you're missing a great opportunity to influence the next generation. And if you think the kids don't guilt the parents into doing the right thing as far as properly setting out the trash or recycling, trust me, it works! These trucks are one of the best outreach tools we have.) I told you all this to tell you that this is how this book got started -- just bringing the message to the kids. If you're interested, check out the website: A Truck Named Travis