Local third grader creates reusable trash bag

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LEE COUNTY, Fla.- A local third grader’s love for the beach is now nationally recognized for her efforts to save it.

Disney loved her idea so much, they gave her $500 to help turn it into reality.

Nine-year-old Elinor Rienzo created a reusable, personal sized trash bag that gives people a place to put their trash when no garbage can is around. The creation is called, Trash Stash and it comes in four different colors, turquoise, blue, green and blue green.

“When we see trash we try to pick it up and throw it away,” said Jodi Rienzo, Elinor’s mom, “Elinor gets frustrated sometimes by how much litter she sees on the beach.”

Elinor’s idea to clean up the beach sprouted from a Youth Ocean Conservation Summit. The summit offered brainstorming sessions that helped come up with the idea. Elinor knew she had big plans for Trash Stash, that’s when she applied for a $500 Disney Friends for Change Grant.

After a nationwide search – Elinor is one of a 125 kids awarded a grant to make a positive change in the world.

“Everything’s she’s doing and seeing her dreams become a reality is fantastic,” said Jodi Rienzo, “she totally wants to keep it going, so we’ll just see how far it goes.”

Elinor will be giving out her trash stashes Sunday, April 26 at the Sanibel Island Farmers Market. Elinor and a local marine nonprofit will teach people the importance of keeping our ocean clean.

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