The shed was designed, built, and painted with the help of students and community volunteers. The 6th graders designed the shed as a class project. Many grade levels were involved in constructing and decorating the shed. The building materials and supplies were acquired through a grant from the State of Alaska Department of Commerce. The "Learn and Serve Project" provides grants to encourage community building volunteering through schools.

The shed will be used to store materials collected for recycling before they are transported to Anchorage. The recycling shed helps to overcome one of the biggest challenges of school recycling -- the lack of storage space for materials. Providing easy access to storage will enable the Girdwood school to continue its environmentally friendly recycling program, creating a life-long habit and interest for the students.

Another important aspect of the school’s Green Star program is its recycling, education and outreach initiatives. The recycling bulletin board, monthly “fun facts”, and a program for reading books with earth friendly messages, are all constructive steps that help students understand the need to conserve our resources, and empower them to take positive action. Using recycled materials for art projects provides another lesson that reuse of materials is not only fun, but beautiful too! Further, the success of the school’s magazine/catalog recycling drive is a prime example of student enthusiasm and community involvement.