School Location: Shoreline
Began participating in the Green Schools Program: May 2013

Level One of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in May 2014

Waste reduction and recycling (level one)

• The school increased its recycling rate from 48 percent to 77 percent.
• In February 2014, Living Wisdom began collecting recyclable and compostable materials in every classroom.
• Student Green Team members were trained by a King County Green Schools Program representative in proper sorting of recyclable and compostable materials and how to monitor recycling and disposal stations.
• The student Green Team met with each classroom to conduct recycling games to teach students and staff how to properly sort recyclable and compostable materials.

• Green Team students conducted a waste audit to track contamination and to remind younger students how to properly sort materials.
• Recycling stickers listing what can and can’t be recycled were placed on all classroom and office recycling containers.
• The student Green Team created three-dimensional posters for classroom recycling and disposal stations to inform students about what can and can’t go into each bin.
• Green Team students created G.O.O.S. (Good on One Side) boxes for each classroom to collect paper used on one side, allowing students and staff to reduce waste by using paper more efficiently.
• The school reduced waste during lunch by promoting waste-free lunches and using reusable utensils, plates, and napkins for school meals.
• Parents and students were encouraged to bring reusable plates and utensils to school events. The school provided recyclable and compostable materials stations for each event.
• Staff members communicate with parents via email instead of paper whenever possible.
• Students and staff attended a field trip at the King County Transfer and Recycling Station in Shoreline to learn about the recycling process.
• Green Team leader Jacob Burell led team meetings, organized events, and launched the kick-off for the school to "go green." The teachers, staff and administration are proud of Jacob and the Green Team for their hard work.

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

Marc Cobb, teacher
marccobb@gmail.com

Susan McGinnis, co-director
Susan@livingwisdomschoolseattle.org