An innovative King County program aimed at helping schools and school districts to save natural resources and money was recognized this month by the Washington State Recycling Association (WSRA) with a “Recycler of the Year” award.
King County’s Green Schools Program was selected by WRSA in the category of Outstanding Public Education Program for its work helping schools accomplish things such as adding food scrap recycling in a school lunchroom, switching a school newsletter from paper to electronic distribution, and improving energy conservation practices.
Established in 2003, the 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. Participation has grown each year. To date, 10 of King County’s 18 school districts have received assistance or are now participating.
“It’s a wonderful honor and a testament to the enthusiasm the program has received from King County schools districts and their students and teachers,” said Dale Alekel, who coordinates the program for the King County Solid Waste Division.
“The schools appreciate the support and expertise provided by the program to help them initiate and sustain recycling and other conservation practices. Teachers also love the environmental teaching moments that the program offers their students.”
The program’s mission is to provide King County schools (K-12, public and private) and school districts with tools and support needed to:
Working with each participant over an extended period – at least one year and usually two – the program assesses current practices, offers recommendations, and provides hands-on assistance. Schools also receive recycling containers and signs. With the goal of making conservation part of school culture and daily practice, the program helps schools to organize Green School Teams that promote recycling and other conservation practices to the entire school community.
When participants complete criteria in each of the program’s three levels, they receive recognition: a banner, a certificate and a success story on the program Web site.
King County schools generate an estimated 30,000 tons of solid waste annually – that’s roughly 8 percent of King County’s total non-residential solid waste. Recyclable materials comprise a significant percentage of the average school’s garbage.
Simple steps, such as recycling and setting aside food scraps for collection, add up to big benefits. Thanks to the Green Schools Program, hundreds of schools recycle 40 to 60 percent of their solid waste, and 22 schools now recycle food scraps.
The program also helps schools and districts reduce and recycle hazardous materials. Participants have set up fluorescent bulb, battery and electronic recycling programs, and, with assistance from the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County, have established better management practices for science lab and other chemicals.
In addition to providing unique and effective assistance, the program offers a Web site with a wealth of helpful tools and resources: www.kingcounty.gov/GreenSchools.