School District: Kent
School Location: Covington
Began participating in the Green Schools Program: October 2013

Level One of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in May 2015

Waste reduction and recycling (level one)

• By promoting waste reduction and recycling practices throughout the school, Mattson Middle School increased its recycling rate from 38 to 46 percent.
• Recycling bins were placed in classrooms, lunchroom, kitchen, employee lounge, and copy/supply room.
• The custodian regularly emptied and monitored recycling bins to reduce contamination.
• The school made weekly announcements to remind students about waste reduction and recycling practices.
• The student Green Team created posters that were displayed in the lunchroom to help students sort their lunch waste into recyclable materials and garbage.
• To reduce food waste, the lunchroom established a share table where students could place unopened food for others to take.
• To reduce waste in the lunchroom, plastic wrapped utensils and straws were replaced with loose utensils and straws, and instead of purchasing individually wrapped packages of condiments, the lunchroom switched to bulk condiment dispensers.
• Employees used only durable plates, utensils, and cups in the staff room.
• To limit use of paper handouts, students turned in most of their work electronically.
• Staff used email instead of paper for regularly issued newsletters, bulletins, and other notifications.
• Staff followed a “print only what you need” policy to reduce the amount of paper used for copying and printing.
• Office staff created and oversaw a reuse station for office supplies.
• The office switched to reusable hall passes and visitor badges.
• The school stored and reused holiday decorations whenever possible.
• Grass clippings were left on lawns and athletic fields to fertilize the grass.
• On March 25, 2015 the school hosted a Family S.T.E.M. Night that incorporated parent and student activities focused on recycling and waste reduction in relation to science, technology and engineering.
• Seventh- and eighth- grade classes received the King County Consumption Junction classroom workshops which taught students about the lifecycles of consumer products and the environmental impacts of overconsumption.

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

Sandra DeMarre, building operations supervisor
Sandy.demarre@kent.k12.wa.us