Moorlands Elementary School in Kenmore was recognized as a King County Level Three Green School, along with three other schools for increasing recycling, reducing waste and conserving energy and water.

According to a county press release recognizing the school’s “Each month, the school shared water conservation tips with each class.”

The release continues, stating that students learned about the life cycle of plants by sowing, tending and harvesting produce in the school’s raised garden beds. Fourth-grade classes learned about environmental stewardship by raising coho salmon in the school’s salmon tank and then releasing them into Puget Sound. In addition, at the beginning of the school year, students signed pledges committing to various water conservation actions.

The school installed a rain barrel to collect water to irrigate the school’s garden and signs were posted next to bathroom and classroom sinks encouraging students to soap up their hands before rinsing. The school also maintained its 48 percent recycling rate by reducing waste and recycling.

King County’s Green Schools Program provides guidance, hands-on help and tools such as recycling containers and signs that schools need to make improvements. It helps teach K-12 students and employees to only recycle materials they know can be recycled.

To learn more, visit King County Green Schools Program’s website.