This month, the King County Green Schools Program is honoring 70 schools for their conservation achievements, including seven schools in the Northshore School District.

“These 70 schools have initiated or improved sustainable practices and are teaching their students and employees about conservation,” said Dale Alekel, Green Schools Program manager.

Bothell High School and Secondary Academy for Success were selected as a Level Four Sustaining Green School for 2015-2016. Cottage Lake Elementary and Maywood Hills Elementary were selected for maintaining Level One waste reduction and recycling practices, and education in energy conservation actions. East Ridge Elementary, Kenmore Junior High School and Moorlands Elementary were selected as Level One for waste reduction and recycling.

Schools from 33 cities and 15 school districts in King County are engaging students, teachers, and other staff in reducing waste and recycling, and conserving water and energy, with help from the King County Green Schools Program.

The program involves students and school employees in learning about and practicing resource conservation. Alekel said that participating schools and school districts have reported saving money through reduced garbage volumes and decreased energy and water use.

“Green Schools Program participants are helping King County achieve its goal of reaching a 70 percent recycling rate by 2020, while the students and employees at these schools learn simple and effective resource conservation actions that will benefit our environment,” said Pat McLaughlin, director of the King County Solid Waste Division.

The program has served a growing number of schools each year, from 100 schools in 2009-10 to 236 schools (47 percent of the K-12 schools in King County outside the City of Seattle) in 2015-16. The program also assists school districts, with 12 districts currently participating.

The 70 schools listed below are being recognized this month for completing Green School actions and education. Level One of the program is focused on reducing waste and recycling, Level Two includes energy conservation practices, Level Three includes water conservation and pollution prevention practices, and Level Four Sustaining Green Schools maintain their Level One, Two, and Three practices and complete an additional conservation action or educational strategy.

Learn about the Green Schools Program by contacting Alekel at 206-477-5267 or dale.alekel@kingcounty.gov.