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HEARST GREEN TEAM

HEARST OWLS ARE GOING GREEN!

 

Hearst is happy to announce that after being selected as one of seven pilot schools who participated in a new DCPS pilot recycling program, our recycling program now serves as one of the models for the many other DC schools!  Eventually, we hope that all DC schools will adopt recycling programs.  But that's not all! Our students are now looking at energy conservation and ways of being less wasteful!

 

How We Are Going Green:

 

Recycling: Hearst recycles paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastic.  We have our very own recycling dumpster and a contractor takes our collected recyclables away! 

 

This year, our 4th grade has taken the lead in becoming green by being our official Recycling Team. Each Wednesday afternoon while wearing their official neon recycling vests, three 4th graders go through both school buildings and collect all recyclables from the classrooms. 

 

Fundraising by Recycling:  Did you know that we can make $money$ over the summer for the school when we recycle?  As many of you already know, we have joined the Terracycle recycling brigades and collect 1) Capri Sun and Honest Kids juice pouches during lunchtime and from home and 2) wine corks from individuals and participating local restaurants, such as Ris, chef Ris Lacoste's new restaurant in DC's own West End neighborhood! Please let us know if you would like to start your own Hearst recycling brigade. So far this year, we have earned $241.12 from juice pouches and corks.  Additionally, Hearst continues its recycling fundraiser in partnership with the recycling company Recycling Fundraiser.  We now accept used (and not necessarily working) cell phones, iPods, digital cameras and video cameras, laptops, and ink jet cartridges.  These items are recycled or refurbished and proceeds go to Hearst’s PTA.   If you would like to help with the brigades or with small electronics recycling over the summer, please send an email to selena@visalawgroup.com.

 

Energy Patrol: This past fall, our 3rd and 4th graders attended our first Energy Assembly put on by the District Department of the Environment (DDOE).  During the assembly, the students learned about how they (and their friends and families!) can conserve energy and help save the environment.  Ms. Weise's class of 4th graders and some of the third graders continued to work with Charles Satterfield of DDOE throughout the year patrolling the school and just recently received certificates of achievement from DDOE for their efforts.  You can learn more about DDOE's energy partrol program on their website.

 

  Our goal this year was to help the school reduce its carbon footprint by using lights appropriately, turning off vampire appliances/computers when not in use, ridding the school of all incandescent lightbulbs, and working to create a more efficient use of the school's HVAC system.  Additionally, Hearst families can work to reduce their own carbon footprint at home with the help of Earth Aid, a non-profit group who privately (and for free!) monitors your home energy use.  Please click here to log on and sign up with Earth Aid now.

 

 

Spring Community E-Cycle:  We held our 2nd Annual Spring E-Cycle at the school again this year on April 17th and it was a smashing success.  We bettered our record and collected over 6 tons of electronic waste for recycling!  Please join us again next year around Earth Day as we do it again.

  

Please join us in our Green Efforts!  If you would like to offer ideas on how we can expand our green efforts, or if you would like to join our team, please contact Selena Smart, head of Hearst’s Green Team, at selena@visalawgroup.com.


A couple of E-Cycle Pictures!
   

Subpages (1): E-Cycle