Glenbow School is barely taking out the trash – and that is a good thing.
The elementary school recently received good news after the latest audit from the Town of Cochrane revealed the amount of organic material in the school’s trash was down to 32 per cent organics – from 70 per cent the previous year.
The school incorporated paper towel into its recycling program to reduce the number of recyclables being tossed out with the trash.
“The (program) makes staff and students more aware,” said Beverly Ireton, school operations manager.
By removing cans from the school’s gymnasium and most offices – there are still trashcans in every classroom – students are being taught to recycle things that are compostable, including paper, plastics, and juice boxes.
“We do this because then recycling won’t end up in the landfill,” said Brooke Miller, a nine-year-old Glenbow student.
While staff is in charge of teaching students about being environmentally friendly, students are spearheading the program.
“It is all tied to student learning,” Brendan Trinca, Glenbow principal explained.
“The adults have a shared interest and really it is about education. It is not something you can do overnight.”
The program did not in fact happen overnight but has gotten to this point after years of teaching students (and staff) about recycling and being environmentally friendly.
The evolution of the program has been a work-in-progress for years, Trinca explained. The school has incorporated “a lot of outdoor learning” including participating in community gardens and taking students on weekly community walks.
The Cochrane Community Awards recognized Glenbow in 2014 and 2015 for an Education in Action award.
“We are just trying to improve our waste and want to help the environment,” said Aliyah Grund, a nine-year-old Glenbow student.
Weekly and monthly challenges also keep the students on their toes while attempting to see how long classrooms can go without taking out their trashcans.
“It all takes a huge community effort,” Ireton said.
How to be environmentally friendly outside of school:
Starting in April, the Town of Cochrane will be implementing a curbside organics collection. Materials accepted include; • kitchen scraps and food waste, including meat, fish and bones • coffee and tea (plus filters and bags) • paper goods soiled by food (paper plates and napkins) • yard waste (grass clippings, branches and leaves. • cat litter and dog waste (in compostable bags)
