School District: Lake Washington
School Location: Kirkland
Began participating in the Green Schools Program: September 2011

Level One of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in January 2013

Waste reduction and recycling (level one)

• Between October 2011 and January 2013, Helen Keller Elementary increased its recycling rate from 17 percent to 49 percent, and reduced its monthly garbage volume from 50 cubic yards to 18 cubic yards.
• The school reduced its garbage collection service from twice per week to once per week, saving the school district an estimated $2,500 each year.
• Head custodian Heather McMurchie oversees recycling collection and assists with the school’s conservation efforts.
• Staff and students assist McMurchie by collecting recyclable materials from classrooms and placing them in hallway recycling containers.
• Ongoing announcements describing the school’s waste reduction and recycling efforts are made during lunch and staff meetings.
• Bulk condiment dispensers are used in the lunchroom for the condiments in highest demand, thus avoiding the waste of individual condiment packets.
• This school reduces waste by choosing not to use straws in its lunchroom.

In 2012-2013:

• Helen Keller Elementary replaced Styrofoam lunch trays with durable trays.
• The school began collecting compostable materials in its lunchroom and staff lounge.
• Parent volunteer Beth Keating and King County Green School Program staff monitored the lunchroom kick-off and helped train students to properly sort their lunch materials.
• Parent volunteers and school staff created 3-D signs to help students properly sort recyclable and compostable materials in the lunchroom.
• Staff registered online at Target for community members to purchase items for the school including durable dishes for the staff break room to reduce waste.

In 2011-2012:

• Helen Keller Elementary began recycling milk cartons.
• Parent Teacher Association (PTA) co-president Birdie Folsom assisted with the King County Green School Program application and included announcements in PTA newsletters about the school’s waste reduction efforts.
• Students and staff received King County's waste reduction and recycling assembly to help educate and inspire students and staff.

For more information about the school’s conservation achievements and participation in the Green Schools Program, contact:

Karen Schwartz, teacher
kschwartz@lwsd.org

Heather McMurchie, head custodian
hmcmurchie@lwsd.org