Environmental Categories
Waste & Recycling

Environmental Categories

Make It Happen

1.2 million students spend their days in K-12 schools across Washington State. You can ensure they gain the skills and hands-on learning opportunities needed to be successful leaders. Our state depends upon the next generation… And Washington Green Schools is working with you to give them the tools they need to succeed.

By improving recycling and waste management systems, schools can reduce fiscal and environmental costs associated with excessive or improper waste disposal. This action also drives students to make responsible choices and think critically about their relationship with consumption and waste. 

Ideas for a Lasting Change

Develop an educational program to reduce waste. Improve recycling practices through clear signage and classroom presentations. Serve food on reusable trays and replace disposable utensils with silverware.

Implement a food scraps collection system. Monitor the waste station during lunch and use signage to educate students and staff on organic waste disposal. Compost can either be collected or used in a school garden or on school grounds.

Reduce paper consumption. Implement double-sided printing, remove school from unwanted mailing lists, and send school newsletters electronically. Designate a Paper Free Day once a month. Reward classrooms that consistently generate a low volume of trash.

 

Classroom-Ready Resources

Online Resources

For Educators

For Students

For Parents