Congratulations to our INDY Eagles, especially our Green Club lead by Mr. Burgess! Independent Elementary has been honored as a Green School for an additional year!
Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) is on track to meet their goal of zero waste by the year 2029 because of the efforts of the whole community, including Independent Elementary. In 2007, CVSan developed the Green Ribbon Schools Program to help schools reduce waste and to reward and recognize them for their efforts. Since then, 17 out of 18 eligible schools have achieved Green Ribbon certification. Independent has achieved this honor for more than 10 years! Here're some things we do to earn it:
- Activities - We complete at least 31 activities that range from writing letters to representatives, to sorting our trash at recess.
- Reduce Plastic Waste was the theme for this school year. Did you know that not all plastic is recyclable? A lot of small plastics (like lids, straws, and utensils) are non-recyclable and can end up as litter and in waterways like creeks, rivers, and bays. We are focusing more this year on how to reduce and reuse those plastics so there is less going to landfill or our waterways.
- Diversion - Green Ribbon schools must achieve a minimum diversion rate of 90%.
CVSan will be certifying Independent as a Green Ribbon School at the CVSan Board meeting will be held May 7, 2024.
Congrats INDY Eagles!