Creekside was one of the first schools to receive its Green Star award. In 1993, one fourth-grade teacher began Creekside’s Green Star program; she involved the whole school and gave students and staff a sense of ownership in the waste reduction, energy efficiency, and recycling projects undertaken.
The existing Creekside Park Recycling Committee, made up of representatives from each class, kindergarten through 6th grade, became the core group for the Green Star program. The committee conducted a waste assessment, learning that more than 75 percent of the waste generated in the school was paper and paper products. The committee also determined that about half of this paper could be collected for recycling.
Based on this information, recycling drives were conducted. Students weighed and measured aluminum cans, newspapers, and classroom paper collected during the drives. Part of the money raised through recycling is donated to a community service project, while the remaining money is used for enrichment projects within the school. Other materials recycled include cardboard, paper bags, and phone books.
A student energy patrol took unannounced walks around the school, awarding points to classrooms for turning off lights when they are not needed, proper recycling, and other waste preventing activities. Throughout the school, incandescent light bulbs in the main office, staff restrooms, art room, paper room, and janitors rooms were switched to fluorescent lamps. Sensors were installed in the multi-purpose room and the music/stage area.
The school also supports recycling by purchasing several types of products with recycled content. For example, the school orders recycled pencils, paper towels, and sticky notes. Dry ink boards were purchased for announcements so paper does not need to be used.
In conjunction with implementing the Green Star standards, Creekside also developed a report for the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project on the school’s Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Project.
Creekside Park Elementary School http://www.asd.k12.ak.us/schools/creekside_park/
