Waste Reduction
We at Elms have made strong efforts to reduce the waste being sent to the landfill. We have a strong recycling program. ... Even our newly installed water fountain helps reduce waste because it allows for refillable/ reusable water bottles.
Water Fountain Installed (Fall 2012)
When this outdoor water fountain was installed at Elms, we were able to reduce the amount of disposable water bottles and plastic cups that were used during our field-trips.
When this outdoor water fountain was installed at Elms, we were able to reduce the amount of disposable water bottles and plastic cups that were used during our field-trips.
Elms Visitors Recycle
At Elms we have one bin for all the recyclables, another one is for the trash (non recyclables) and one is for compost. Compostable items are put into our compost bin and the resulting compost is ultimately used in our nursery or our native plant demonstration gardens. Elms instructors, classroom teachers and chaperones are encouraged to help students recycle their waste.
At Elms we have one bin for all the recyclables, another one is for the trash (non recyclables) and one is for compost. Compostable items are put into our compost bin and the resulting compost is ultimately used in our nursery or our native plant demonstration gardens. Elms instructors, classroom teachers and chaperones are encouraged to help students recycle their waste.
7th graders Recycle Lesson
It is our hope that 7th graders visiting the Elms will be well versed in recycling. During their 7th grade visit, we actually check the recycling and hold students responsible for their own waste sorting. In the event that they are not, we go over what can be recycled. To "illustrate" the difference between recyclables and trash, we use a large bin for recyclables and a smaller bin for non-recyclables. We also have a bucket for compostable items. At the end of the lesson we encourage students to take what they have learned about recycling back to their schools and home.
It is our hope that 7th graders visiting the Elms will be well versed in recycling. During their 7th grade visit, we actually check the recycling and hold students responsible for their own waste sorting. In the event that they are not, we go over what can be recycled. To "illustrate" the difference between recyclables and trash, we use a large bin for recyclables and a smaller bin for non-recyclables. We also have a bucket for compostable items. At the end of the lesson we encourage students to take what they have learned about recycling back to their schools and home.
Elms Composts Scraps
Compostable materials are saved for our compost bins. Sometimes staff members save some food scraps for farm animals for example: bread for chickens or apples for horses.
Compostable materials are saved for our compost bins. Sometimes staff members save some food scraps for farm animals for example: bread for chickens or apples for horses.
Elms Reuses!
We at Elms salvage discarded plastic bags and reuse them with the Kindergarten students. They use the bags to collect shells on the beach. When the bags wear out we replace them with other discarded bags.
We at Elms salvage discarded plastic bags and reuse them with the Kindergarten students. They use the bags to collect shells on the beach. When the bags wear out we replace them with other discarded bags.
Food Scraps Feed Elms "Pets"
Sometimes carrots and/ or apples are fed to our crickets. Our crickets are used to feed our reptiles and amphibians. Sometimes we save lunch meat to feed our visiting crabs.
Sometimes carrots and/ or apples are fed to our crickets. Our crickets are used to feed our reptiles and amphibians. Sometimes we save lunch meat to feed our visiting crabs.
In 2011, two local middle school students (Sage Burch and Sara Cocran) took pictures of recyclable and non-recyclable items and made them available to local schools (including the Elms Environmental Education Center) to help make recycling easier. These posters are still being used to this day. Research for these posters was done by Elms staff member Hester Burch.
Feel free to make your own recycle poster using these photos provided below.
Feel free to make your own recycle poster using these photos provided below.