Effort 3: Waste Reduction

3.1 We learn about our waste.

  • Our classroom has conducted at least two Waste Audits a minimum of one month apart and discuss the results as a class.

  • We have used the results of our Waste Audits to develop class initiatives to improve our waste reduction.

Waste Audit #1 Table

Triple Ace Waste Audit #1.docx

Waste Audit #2 Table

Triple Ace Waste Audit #2.docx

Waste Reduction Presentation

Waste Reduction Presentation.pdf

Waste Audit Guide

Waste-Audit-Guide Project Gaia.pdf

How Much Landfill Waste Do Calgarians Produce?

How Much Landfill Waste.pdf

3.2 We take action to minimize and divert our waste.

  • We find ways to give common communication notices (ex. agendas, meeting notices) in a paperless fashion.

  • We actively find ways to re-use items (ex. leftover textiles, extra containers)

  • We have a classroom mixed recycling bin and regularly make use of it.

  • We sort our everyday recyclables into the mixed recycling and refundable beverage containers.

  • We empty recyclable food or beverage containers before recycling them.

  • We use the appropriate recycling stream to dispose of our unusual recyclables (ex. batteries, toner cartridges, light bulbs, chemicals).

  • We use a reduced size landfill waste bin for our classroom.

Blue Bin Guide

blue bin-yes-no.pdf

Black Bin Guide

black-cart-yes-no.pdf

3.3 We encourage composting of organic waste.

  • We use the nearest compost bin to dispose of our organic waste and compostable items.

  • We encourage the use of re-usable water bottles, and discourage the use of disposable plastic bottles.

  • We encourage the use reusable cups, mugs, dishware and utensils during times food or beverages are served.

  • When re-usable items can not be used, we use BPI-certified compostable alternatives instead of plastic serving ware.

  • Green Bin 1-page guide

Green Bin Guide

green-bin-yes-no.pdf

3.4 We minimize the waste created by single-use and disposable items.

  • We have replaced all single-use items with reusable or compostable alternatives.

  • We do not have plastic straws, sugar, salt, or condiment packets in our classroom.

3.5 We are thoughtful about paper usage.

  • The printers in our classroom are set to print double-sided by default.

  • We keep a stack of single-sided and/or waste paper in classroom for reuse as scrap paper.