Branchville Elementary School announces A Path to Zero Waste, sustainable program that teaches students to Reduce, Recycle, Compost
Food Waste Makes up 22% of the 2.4 million Tons of Trash in CT
Branchville’s PTA recently announced a pilot program to reduce, recycle and compost cafeteria waste. A Path to Zero Waste will officially roll out in Ridgefield on Earth Day, April 22nd.
The goal is to teach K-5th-grade students to respect their environment. One way they can do that is by separating cafeteria waste into different bins, clearly labeled garbage, recyclables, food waste/compostables and liquids. A dedicated “green team,” comprised of parent volunteers/PTA, faculty and students is leading the charge. Branchville’s recent trash audit revealed that 78% of the municipal solid waste from cafeteria trash can be diverted.
A new bill (S.B. 1046) proposes CT schools separate and recycle organic refuse. If passed, the legislation would wrap schools into the state’s Commercial Organics Recycling Law, which currently applies to supermarkets, resorts, conference centers and food distributors.
“Branchville is ahead of the curve, but it takes a village to create sustainable change. If we encourage students, faculty and parents to get on the path to zero, we’ll limit our impact on the environment,” said BES Principal, Keith Margolus.
Branchville Elementary School serves the Ridgefield, CT community by educating over 300 students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The school employs a dedicated and passionate staff that views their community as a kind one.