Elkhart County Solid Waste District: Green Schools Initiative
“We are committed to continuing and initiating new environmentally-friendly practices at Prairie View ... It's now part of our identity and school culture, which we’re proud of." – Ruth Roth, Prairie View Elementary
Research indicates education programs help to increase recycling rates, improve the quality of recyclable materials, and divert waste from landfills. Additionally, there are ample classroom materials available to educators. So when the Elkhart County Solid Waste Management District engaged enFocus to develop a recycling education curriculum for schools in Elkhart County, they conducted interviews and focus groups with local teachers to understand why there was not a greater focus on recycling education. They quickly learned educators were concerned about educational time and meeting State Standards. In response, enFocus developed and launched a unique credit certification program, aligned with State Standards, that empowers schools to complete recycling related activities. Schools complete challenges in four categories and can earn cash prizes for their effort.
Since piloting the program in spring 2019, 23 area schools have participated, representing all seven public school districts and three private schools. These schools have earned over 180 credits, and one school has even “graduated” from the program!