Schools from 34 King County cities and unincorporated areas — including Kirkland — are reducing waste, increasing recycling, conserving resources and cutting costs with help from the King County Green Schools Program.

The program provides hands-on help and the tools schools need, such as recycling containers and signs, to make improvements.

The program has served a growing number of schools each year — from 70 schools in 2008, to 251 schools this year, which is half of all K-12 schools in King County outside Seattle.

“We are pleased to recognize 77 schools and two school districts for their contributions toward helping us achieve our goal of a 70 percent recycling rate in King County,” said Pat McLaughlin, director of the King County Solid Waste Division.

In Kirkland, Carl Sandburg Elementary/Discovery Elementary School was recognized as a Sustaining Green School for maintaining Level One, Two and Three practices, and completing an additional conservation action or educational strategy.

Environmental & Adventure School was also recognized as a Level Two Green School for maintaining Level One waste reduction and recycling practices and learning about and engaged in energy conservation actions.

In addition, Kirkland Middle School was recognized as a Level One Green School for initiating or improving waste reduction and recycling practices.

“These 77 schools and two school districts initiated or improved sustainable practices, encouraging students and employees to reduce paper use, reduce food waste, recycle, or conserve energy and water, all of which reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change,” said Dale Alekel, Green Schools Program manager.

In addition to Green Schools Program assistance and recognition, King County offers support for student green teams, an elementary school assembly program and classroom workshops for grades 1–12 that teach students about conservation.

Learn more by contacting Alekel at (206) 477-5267 or dale.alekel@kingcounty.gov.