School District: Auburn
School Location: Auburn
Began participating in the Green Schools Program: November 2014

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

Waste reduction and recycling (level one)

• The school increased its recycling rate from 56 percent to 85 percent by educating students about recycling basics, including milk cartons and classroom paper.
• Garbage collection service was reduced, and recycling collection service was increased.

• Principal Greg Brown shared waste statistics from the district to motivate students and staff to recycle.
• Teacher Erin Carnahan and the student Builder’s Club created recycled art posters to promote milk carton recycling.
• To reduce food waste, the school maintained a share area for unopened food items.
• In its cafeteria, the school primarily used durable lunch trays.
• Eighth grade science classes completed a waste audit during a King County workshop and used the findings to educate students and staff.
• The PTA organized recycling collection for electronics and holiday lights.

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

Erin Carnahan, teacher
ecarnahan@auburn.wednet.edu

Scott Weide, Auburn School District resource conservation manager
sweide@auburn.wednet.edu