School District: Auburn
School Location: Auburn
Began participating in the Green Schools Program: September 2014

Level One of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in May 2015
Level Two of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in May 2016

Waste reduction and recycling (level one)

• Washington Elementary School achieved and maintained a 65 percent recycling rate.
• Custodian Bernie Botz regularly trained students on how to sort waste properly.
• Fourth and fifth grade students volunteered to monitor recycling stations during lunch.
• Students participated in a recycling education poster contest in which more than 100 posters were created and posted around the school. Six winners from primary grades and three winners from intermediate grades were recognized at an all-school assembly.
• At school lunches, the school focused on reducing waste by using durable trays, durable utensils, and bulk condiment dispensers.
• The school developed systems to allow students in the portables to participate in recycling and composting. Green Team members monitored sorting and brought the recycling to a central location.
• In 2015-16, Washington Elementary School’s recycling rate increased from 66 percent to 71 percent.
• In 2015-16, the school added a clothing reuse box in order to recycle unwanted textiles.
• Posters from poster contests were hung in the halls to remind students about waste reduction and recycling goals.

Energy conservation (level two)

• Custodian Bernie Botz used a computer dashboard program to monitor classroom temperatures, water heater data, and other energy data on a daily basis.
• Student Green Team members helped ensure all electronics were turned off at the end of each day.
• Occupancy sensors were installed to turn off lights when the rooms were not in use.
• Principal Pauline Thomas communicated with students and staff frequently to emphasize that conservation is important at Washington Elementary School.

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

Bernie Botz, custodian
pthomas@auburn.wednet.edu

Scott Weide, resource conservation manager, Auburn School District
Sweide@auburn.wednet.edu