School District: Private
School Location: Seattle
Began participating in the Green Schools Program: September 2015

Level One of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in May 2016

Waste reduction and recycling (level one)

• The school announced its participation in the King County Green Schools Program on its website and during STEM night.
• The school went from a recycling rate of 14 percent to 51 percent.
• At a weekly staff meeting in September, teachers discussed strategies for improving student sorting practices. A King County Green Schools representative presented on the importance of waste reduction.
• The school hosted Waste Free Wednesdays the first Wednesday of every month. Students were encouraged to bring all lunch items in reusable containers.
• Throughout the year, the school shared waste reduction and recycling successes through morning announcements.
• The school started an official student Green Team made up of eighth grade students to help Holy Family School achieve its waste reduction goals.
• The team put together a skit featuring “Garbage Guy and Recycle Man” to highlight the importance of waste reduction and proper sorting practices.
• During the eighth grade science fair, students explained the connection between carbon dioxide and acidity in the environment to help show how waste reduction and recycling reduce greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change.
• First and second grade students received the King County “Rethink and Reuse” workshops.
• The Green Team went on a field trip to the Marine Science and Technology Center where they explored pollution levels in the Puget Sound.
• Instead of printing its student handbook, the school made it available online to save paper.
• Classroom GOOS (Good-On-One-Side) bins were used in all classrooms.
• The parent newsletter, “News Blast,” was sent electronically to prevent paper waste.
• A reuse station was set up in the staff room.
• The school hosted a “Zero Waste” locker cleanout on the last day of school. Unwanted items were collected for reuse and recycling.
• Grass clippings were left on the lawn.
• All graduation supplies, spring tea table clothes, serving trays, and center pieces were made from reusable materials.

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

Theresa Piper, teacher
tpiper@hfsauburn.com