Published December 4 2014
Thirteen Bellevue elementary schools competed to see which could cut the most waste in their cafeterias. The winning school, Newport Heights, generated less than a third of a cup of garbage per student at lunch on "measurement day."
All of the schools launched campaigns in early November to educate parents, staff and students on ways to reduce waste in the cafeteria. On November 14, the day before America Recycles Day, the schools together -- representing more than 7,000 students and staff -- generated just 15 garbage cans of trash at lunch hour total.
"The school results were fantastic and showed that the true first-place winner in this contest is the environment," said Jennifer Goodhart, program administrator with Bellevue Utilities, which cosponsored the competition with the Bellevue School District. "Each school had successful results because they involved staff, teachers and students to make a great team."
Students and staff were urged to: finish lunch, bring leftovers home for snacks, compost food scraps, recycle and use reusable containers for packed lunches. Schools offered waste reduction tips during morning announcements and sent notes and leftovers home in packed lunches so parents could see what students eat. Students gave presentations at lunch, and staff became "recycling superheroes" and "recycling fairies" at lunch. The zero waste theme was echoed in newsletters for parents and classroom posters.
The three schools with the lowest amount of garbage per student -- Newport Heights, Spiritridge and Medina -- each received a "Mighty Moose" award made from recycled materials and engraved with their school's name.The schools that participated were:
- Ardmore
- Bennett
- Clyde Hill
- Eastgate
- Enatai
- Lake Hills
- Medina
- Newport Heights
- Phantom Lake
- Puesta del Sol
- Spiritridge
- Somerset
- Woodridge
The top three schools were:
Newport Heights (628 students) - first place. Generated less than one-third cup of garbage per student at lunch on November 14 (measurement day). Education and motivation included: creating a Green Genius pledge with each lunch group; having students sign the banner and make posters, information sent to parents and measurement of progress (shared with students) for days leading up to the challenge. On measurement day, the "Green Genius Fairy" appeared at lunch with the Green Team, wearing special aprons, to cheer on students.
Spiritridge (617 students) - second place. On measurement day, they generated less than a one-half cup of garbage waste per student. The staff team chose fun ways to educate students and parents about waste reduction and recycling. The first week of school, they showed a video to all students. Students participated in using a SMART notebook lesson to practice sorting. Teachers taught students how to sort materials into compostable, recyclable and garbage before being dismissed at lunch. Twice in November, notes were sent home in student lunch boxes to help parents realize what is wasted at lunch and encouraging them to use reusable containers.Principal Allman came on measurement day to encourage students.
Medina (560 students) - third place. Students created almost one-half cup of garbage each on measurement day. Staff advertised the challenge and waste reduction and recycling tips daily on their news announcement. Staff made a video displaying proper disposal of waste and advertising the contest. Teachers announced information in class. Parents were each sent an email regarding tips for reducing waste (such as using reusable containers.) Students made posters and cafeteria staff made announcements during lunch each day.
All 13 schools will be recognized for participating in this contest and doing a great job. Each school will receive a certificate in a frame made from recycled keyboards and recycle stickers for every student.
"Ultimately, all schools win by teaching students how to conserve resources," said Goodhart. "Way to go! Thanks to each school for taking the challenge!"