DoSomething.org (Edmonton, AB): M.E. LaZerte Green Team: The Plan Of Action

Posted November 27, 2009 by OneChange

To make sure less waste is being produced, the M.E. LaZerte Green Team begun a recycling program. We initially began by placing one recycle bin by each garbage can in the school. Immediately we noticed the amount of waste began to decline. After raising money from the bottles we collected, we began putting a green recycling bin in each of the classrooms for beverage containers. This was a success, as many students as well as teachers used the bins provided. Successful beverage container recycling led to paper recycling. Our school had not recycled paper for many years, and with the greater amount of money the Green Team earned from the extra recycle bins, we purchased blue bins for paper. These were also placed in each of the classrooms, further reducing waste. A key student of our Green Team also applied for a Youth Environmental Stewardship Grant, and used the money to purchase a mini eco station. This eco station was placed at the "heart" of the school, and was a central place where many things could be recycled, some of which include beverage containers, paper, small electronics, plastics, batteries, and ink cartridges. This also reduced the waste being generated, but also reduced toxins that need to be disposed of properly. To promote awareness, the M.E. LaZerte Green Team participated in a non profit organization called One Change. One Change had a campaign in Edmonton, Alberta called Project Porchlight. Students delivered fluorescent lightbulbs to many homes, saving tons of energy and carbon dioxide emissions. The students also talked to homeowners about how the light bulbs will save energy, the environment, and money. The Green Team also had Alberta Environment's One Simple Act come to our school to further promote awareness. One Simple Act encouraged hundreds of students to make a pledge on how to save more energy, and be more energy efficient. Later in the year, at an annual event called Taste of LaZerte, the Green Team purchased compostable plates and cutlery, to avoid using styrofoam plates. We also sold organic cotton t shirts to promote using renewable and organic materials. These projects combined have made a huge and lasting impact on our school, as well as educated more students to be more aware of environmental issues and how to take action.