Environmental Action Program for Schools Coordinator Lorna Thomson presents Timber Point Elementary School Principal Brian Burnight with a certificate for completing the program.
Photo courtesy of Lorna Thomson
Photo courtesy of Lorna Thomson
EAPS is a county program that encourages students, teachers, administration and staff to partake in environmentally beneficial Action Areas involving activities such as recycling, waste prevention, composting, and environmental curriculum.
RECYCLING
Each classroom is equipped with a recycling container for mixed paper. The paper is collected weekly by custodians and brought to the recycling toters for collection by Mt. Diablo Recycling. Plastic bottles and aluminum cans are also collected once a month by the student council and PTA.
WASTE PREVENTION
Timber Point has reduced its monthly garbage bill by more than 70 percent. The amount of garbage produced during lunch has dropped from eight 32-gallon bags per day to two.
COMPOSTING
Timber Point’s two composting bins are put out at lunch times for compostable lunch items and green waste. The compost is used in the school’s gardens.
ENVIRONMENTAL CURRICULUM
Byron Unified School District uses the California Adopted Science Curriculum that contains a unit of environmental studies for each grade level. The school also runs a Junior Achievement program in which students in each grade level learn about caring for the environment and eco-smart practices.
The California Integrated Waste Management Act (also known as AB939) requires that all cities and counties divert 50 percent of materials from landfills. The Conservation and Development Department develops and implements programs to achieve waste diversion goals, and one such program is the EAPS, which encourages faculty and students to take proactive steps to help the environment, and provides recognition for their efforts.
For more information, call Lorna Thomson at 925-335-1231 or e-mail lorna.thomson@dcd.cccounty.us.
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