Scott Stein (left) the Chair of the Science Dept., Middle School Student Annelise Davies, Ron Gonen and Robert Milligan of RecycleBank

Springside School in Philadelphia (pre-K through 12) is partnering with RecycleBank to launched a schoolwide recycling initiative. The program kicked off on September 22 with a special Ecofashion show by Summer Rayne Oakes.

With RecycleBank, Springside is the first school in Philadelphia to recycle all paper, plastic, glass, metal, and cardboard. Students and faculty will be responsible for emptying the over 100 collection bins needed for the program on a regular basis.

The school hopes to reduce waste pickups from three times a week-- one eight yard and one six yard container-- to just one six yard container a week.

The recycle program has quickly been incorporated into the culture of both the school and the classroom. For example, one class has collected and measured waste to document what might have been placed into the waste stream and will now be recycled.

On launch day, Ecofashion Model Summer Rayne Oakes, a United Nations U.S. Partnership Youth Emissary, was also at school to share with students her Ecofashion 101 curriculum which has as its goal "sustainability education" - to develop in young people and their teachers new ways of thinking needed to achieve economic prosperity while regenerating the health of the ecosystems.

RecycleBank's education initiative is partially sponsored by Coca-Cola through the donation of RecycleBank dollars by residents in Philadelphia.

For more information visit the Springside Elementary website or contact Gretchen Harrison, Director of Media Relations Springside School, 215-247-7200 ext. 7131.

9/30/2005