Success story: Mount Baker Middle School
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