It’s no secret that recycling and energy conservation programs can save a school district thousands of dollars a year in reduced disposal costs and lower power bills.
When 15 schools in the Bellevue School District joined the King County Green Schools Program and got their students involved in schoolwide recycling programs, they not only cut waste but also taught their pupils valuable lessons in conservation.
At a recent Bellevue School District School Board meeting, King County Green Schools Program Manager Dale Alekel and Sam Wilder, contractor for the King County Green Schools Program and for the city of Bellevue, presented level one Green School banners and certificates to the 15 school participants.
The city partnered with King County to provide technical assistance and recycling containers that were needed to either start a new recycling program or enhance existing programs at the schools.
The 15 schools that received recognition for completing level one are: Bellevue High School, Newport High School, Sammamish High School, Interlake High School, Tyee Middle School, Chinook Middle School, Highland Middle School, Odle Middle School, Cherry Crest Elementary School, Lake Hills Elementary School, Medina Elementary School, Newport Heights Elementary School, Puesta del Sol Elementary School, Sherwood Forest Elementary School, and Somerset Elementary School.
In September, after the new school year has begun, King County will help an additional 13 Bellevue schools improve their waste reduction and recycling practices and become level one King County Green Schools.
School and school district participants begin the Green Schools Program with level one, which focuses on waste reduction and recycling practices. Instead of simply listing possible waste reduction and recycling practices, the program’s level one school criteria – along with hands-on assistance – provides specific guidance on how to set up and maintain effective, long-lasting waste reduction and recycling practices.
For example, level one schools complete at least one paper reduction practice, one lunch waste reduction practice and one practice involving durable products or bulk dispensers. They also set up recycling containers and conduct outreach.
By completing level one, schools and districts reduce garbage volumes, increase recycling and conserve natural resources. Many school participants reduce garbage disposal costs after improving their waste reduction and recycling practices.
Established in 2003, the King County Green Schools Program has helped more than 250 schools and 10 school districts to increase recycling, decrease water and energy use, and engage students in doing something good for the environment.
