Rancho was the first Novato elementary school to launch a Zero Waste Program with SMS in 2022! In 2024, it has expanded its sustainability efforts. With the incredible support of Rancho’s principal, teachers, and custodians, students have taken the lead as compost monitors, helping classmates to properly compost and recycle their waste. Their hard work was even recognized during a school board meeting. The results continue to make a positive climate action impact – more than 14,000 lbs of food waste were diverted from the landfill during the first semester!
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SMS also introduced environmental education opportunities, leading weekly lessons with 5th graders and eco-focused learning activities during Health & Safety and STEM nights. In addition, this year SMS worked with dedicated teachers to officially create a Rancho Green Team which meets regularly to learn about climate action within their own school and at home. Furthermore, a group of motivated teachers worked with SMS to design and fund a new outdoor learning area for students.
SMS also supports Safe Routes to Schools on campus to encourage ‘green trips’ to school to lower the carbon footprint of drop-off and pickup. Finally, kitchen staff at Rancho have decreased the amount of packaging included with their lunches and rolled out milk dispensers in 2023. Because students can take the amount of milk they need, dispensers have cut milk waste significantly.
Rancho continues to be an incredible example of how, with the right support schools, can embrace sustainability, save money, provide valuable learning experiences for our students, and keep the planet healthy. In addition, Rancho is compliant with new state laws that require composting at schools. Go Eagles!
SMS also supports Safe Routes to Schools on campus to encourage ‘green trips’ to school to lower the carbon footprint of drop-off and pickup. Finally, kitchen staff at Rancho have decreased the amount of packaging included with their lunches and rolled out milk dispensers in 2023. Because students can take the amount of milk they need, dispensers have cut milk waste significantly.
Rancho continues to be an incredible example of how, with the right support schools, can embrace sustainability, save money, provide valuable learning experiences for our students, and keep the planet healthy. In addition, Rancho is compliant with new state laws that require composting at schools. Go Eagles!
The Results of Rancho's Zero Waste Program 2022-23
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A Special Shout Out to Monica Valaquez Lopez!
Monica, the Day Custodian at Rancho Elementary School, leads sustainability efforts at the school. Before working with Sustainable Marin Schools, she was already had milk buckets for the students to pour out their extra milk, was recycling cardboard and cans from the kitchen, and stacking recyclables so she could fit more in the recycling bins. She's been integral to the success of Sustainable Marin School's Zero Waste Program by providing guidance for setting up waste stations. She advised on where to locate the stations, helped to train students, and monitored compost bins, among many other things. Sustainable Marin Schools warmly thanks her for her creative solutions, hard work, and dedication. We couldn't have done it without you! |
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