Sustainability at Sunstone

Reducing Waste

Using durable dishware and cups for classroom lunches, drinking water, school events, etc.
Reusable cleaning cloths
Performing an annual waste audit to measure and track what we send to the landfill (garbage) and what we divert from the landfill (recycling and compost)
Utilizing a school-wide color-coded bin system for all waste, compost and recycling
Composting food scraps, flower trimmings and yard debris
Purchasing post-consumer content paper towels, file folders, envelopes, office paper and journals
Purchasing energy star appliances when replacing old appliances
Purchasing SFC pencils and clipboards
Using foam soap dispensers in classrooms, bathroom and kitchen spaces
Utilizing paperless billing with our families and practicing paperless bill pay and banking for business purposes

Recycing

Recycling bins in all rooms used to recycle all curbside recycling materials
Recycling non-curbside materials such as batteries, light bulbs, electronics, Styrofoam, ink cartridges, packing materials, other plastic material
Hosting twice-yearly community electronics recycling collections with neighborhood partner Green Century Electronics Recyling

Reuse

Holding an annual used book exchange on Earth Day for all grades (leftover books are donated to The Children’s Book Bank)
Collecting cardboard and other items to use for classroom work and school projects
Having scrap paper collection bins in classrooms
Reusing classroom and office supplies whenever possible including scrap paper, file folders, cardboard, fabric, shoe and shipping boxes, etc.

Water and Energy Efficiency

Utilizing CFL light bulbs in place of incandescent bulbs where possible
Turning off lights when not in use and turning off computer equipment at the end of the day
Installing dual-flush devises on all of our toilets which has reduced our water usage by 70%
Installing and maintaining aerators on most sinks and sanitizers
Tracking monthly electricity, natural gas and water use
Participating in the annual Walk + Bike to School month every May

Wildlife habitat and ecosystem

Maintaining several gardens for classroom involvement, conservation purposes and neighborhood outreach, including a Learning garden, a Native Plant Garden and a Water-Wise Garden, and a biowale
Cleaning garbage along the Willamette River and in Willamette park
Planting and landscape design for stormwater management
Providing additional habitat for pollinators (Pollinator boxes)

Community Engagement

Collaborating with Green Team members, students, parents and staff to maintain our current green school practices and to create additional opportunities for environmental activism
Supporting a student green team run by upper elementary children
Educating students and families about packing waste-free lunches
Providing community education about waste reduction, recycling, composting, greener cleaners and more at our annual Fall Festival celebration
Celebrate Earth Day with students, staff and parents by participating in organized gardening, conservation and art activities
Conducting an annual neighborhood cleanup on Earth Day with students, staff and parents
Attending the annual Oregon Green Schools Summit each spring
Providing a bicycle tire repair kit, lock and air pump for employees, students, parents and visitors
Displaying alternative transportation options (bus lines, walk and biking paths) on our website
Partnering with local organizations such as Willamette Riverkeepers and Portland Parks & Rec to help preserve and maintain portions of Willamette Park just a few blocks from our school
Free “Little library” on Corbett Avenue

Kristen Sevier

Outdoor Specialist and Sustainability Coordinator

503-768-3847

ksevier@sunstonemontessori.org