Facilitating lasting changes at an elementary school

• Main Author: Laurie James
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kura Publishing 2016-03-01
• Series: International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education
• Subjects: Conservation; Eco-friendly; Natural resources; Recycle; Sustainability
• Online Access: https://iejee.com/index.php/IEJEE/article/view/124/121

The purpose of this study was to determine how to minimize waste in a school setting by reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting waste products. Specifically, the desire was to identify what steps could be taken to decrease waste practices at a Title I elementary school. Through the Washington Green Schools certification process, a Waste and Recycling Assessment and Characterization Audit allowed for the collection of data. The assessment examined how much and what types of waste products were disposed of at the school. Based on the audit, 93% of waste products in the cafeteria were recyclable or compostable. The results provided ways for the students and staff to take action resulting in behavioral changes that taught and modeled environmental conservation. This study can help revolutionize school communities by serving as a prototype for environmental sustainability enhancing an eco-friendly citizenry.