Individual schools – and even entire school districts – are cutting waste, conserving resources, and reducing costs through the King County Green Schools Program.

The program has served a growing number of schools each year, from 100 schools participating in 2009-10 to 201 schools participating in the 2013-14 school year. The program also assists school districts, with 12 districts currently participating.

Thirteen schools completed Level One of the program this spring by expanding recycling practices and focusing on waste reduction strategies such as decreasing paper use.

Another 10 schools completed Level Two by engaging in energy conservation practices, such as turning off lights in unoccupied rooms and setting thermostats at 68 to 70 degrees, while 11 schools completed Level Three by learning about and engaging in water conservation and pollution prevention actions.

To date, 186 schools throughout King County have been recognized as Level One Green Schools. Of those schools, 108 have been recognized as Level Two Green Schools and 66 as Level Three Green Schools.

Among those achieving Level One status was Enumclaw Middle School. Qualifying as a Level Three school was Westwood Elementary School.

Schools and districts interested in the Green Schools Program can contact Dale Alekel, program manager, at dale.alekel@kingcounty.gov.