School District: Kent
School Location: Kent
Began participating in the Green Schools Program: September 2013

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

Waste reduction and recycling (level one)

• Panther Lake Elementary School increased its recycling rate from 33 percent to 44 percent.
• The school began collecting recyclable materials in classrooms, offices, and the cafeteria.
• The school’s waste reduction and recycling efforts decreased its garbage pick-ups from twice per week to once per week and increased its recycling Dumpster size from four yards to eight yards. As a result, the school saved approximately $500 per month in collection costs.
• Through a school-wide reusable bag campaign, 129 families signed a “Reusable Bag Pledge” and received a custom made reusable bag to use for grocery shopping. The reusable bag campaign saved nearly 2,400 plastic and paper grocery bags from being wasted.
• Library media specialist/ELL Sarah Stoddard helped the Green Team develop the reusable bag campaign, create a logo, and promote and run the campaign.

• The school shared waste reduction and recycling information and tips in monthly announcements.
• Reusable bag and milk carton recycling successes were shared through PTA and PA announcements.
• In April 2014, Earth Month was adopted as the school’s Virtue of the Month. Teachers created activities and songs about being green that students performed at an all-school assembly.
• Staff members communicated with parents via email instead of paper whenever possible.
• The school adopted a double-sided copying and printing policy, and encouraged students and staff to write on both sides of paper.
• The school set up an office supply reuse station, and reduced waste by reusing visitor badges and holiday decorations.
• Student Green Team members were trained to properly sort recyclable materials by a King County Green Schools Program representative.
• Green Team students monitored lunchroom recycling and garbage collection containers to ensure proper sorting.
• Head custodian Clark Kieft worked with the student Green Team to recycle milk cartons, cereal bowls, and juice cups during breakfast and lunch times.
• In 2010-11, to reduce waste at each school including Panther Lake, the district eliminated straws and replaced plastic wrapped sets of utensils, napkins, and straws with individual sporks and napkins that students obtained from dispensers.

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

Sarah Stoddard, library media specialist/ELL
Sarah.Stoddard@kent.k12.wa.us

Beth Gilbertson, environmental services supervisor, Kent School District
Elizabeth.Gilbertson@kent.k12.wa.us