For the Reporter
The King County Solid Waste Division’s Green Schools program recently recognized East Hill and Horizon elementary schools for their conservation and cost-saving efforts.
The two Kent schools were among six schools honored for their Green School achievements.
More than 200 schools from 33 cities in the country are working to reduce waste and recycling, conserve resources and reduce costs with help from the program.
East Hill students used the regional Puget Sound Starts Here campaign to educate students, staff and families about reducing storm water pollution. Most school faucets were equipped with sensors to automatically turn off when not in use and signs were posted near sinks to remind students and staff to turn off faucets when not in use and to report leaks.
Horizon reduced its garbage volume by 8.4 cubic yards per month, thanks to waste reduction and recycling actions. To reduce waste, bulk condiment dispensers and loose disposable utensils were used in the cafeteria.
The other schools recognized were: Endeavour and Discovery elementary (Issaquah School District; Chestnut Hill Academy (private school, Bellevue); and Secondary Academy for Success (Northshore School District).
The program involves students and school employees in learning about and practicing resource conservation. Dale Alekel, program manager, said that participating schools and school districts have reported saving money through reduced garbage volumes and decreased energy and water use.
“The King County Green Schools Program directly supports our goal of increasing the County’s recycling rate from 52 percent to 70 percent by 2030,” said Pat McLaughlin, director of the King County Solid Waste Division.
During the last school year, 75 percent of the program’s participating schools achieved recycling rates of at least 40 percent, and 15 percent of those schools reached recycling rates of 60 percent and above.
The program has served a growing number of schools each year, from 100 schools in 2009-10 to 213 schools (40 percent of the schools in King County outside Seattle) so far in 2014-15. The program also helps school districts, with 12 districts participating.
To learn more about the program, visit your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/greenschools/how-it-works.asp.
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