Joyce Kilmer Elementary School is the latest Chicago Public School to launch a zero waste program in partnership with Seven Generations Ahead (SGA). On May 13th, the SGA Zero Waste Schools (ZWS) team, students, staff, and parent volunteers joined forces to implement the program and ensure that launch day went smoothly. By committing to the program, Kilmer Elementary has taken a significant step in their zero waste journey and teaching kids life-long sustainability habits.
With 748 students and a crowded lunchroom, the school needed two sorting stations that would allow students to enter at both ends. Despite the additional challenge of the tight space, the staff were enthusiastic and set a positive tone for everyone involved.
“The staff was very flexible and interested in making the program work,” said Becky Brodsky, Senior Program Manager for the ZWS program.
Kilmer students were also engaged and well-prepared for launch day. They knew to read the signs carefully and ask questions as they sorted their waste. There were also many trained student volunteers on hand to assist, with even more students eager to participate.
Brodsky noted that the school’s custodian was particularly excited about the program and was especially happy to see the school reintroduce a recycling program. Additionally, parent volunteers had been organized to provide support in the lunchroom for the first couple weeks of the zero waste program, which was extremely helpful as students adjusted to the new procedures.
A highlight of the launch was the remarkably high diversion rate. Kilmer Elementary went from producing 15 bags of waste to less than one bag, diverting an impressive 92% of waste from the landfill! This significant reduction is a testament to the dedication of students, staff, and volunteers to make sure launch day was a success.
Kilmer Elementary is an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, which will further enrich the zero waste initiative. The IB educational model encourages students to take ownership of their learning and develop future-ready skills through hands-on learning. “Sustainability fits in perfectly with the IB educational model,” said Brodsky. “The IB philosophy complements the hands-on, participatory nature of the ZWS program, and will allow teachers to connect sustainability in the lunchroom to lessons in the classroom.”
Kilmer Elementary’s success shows what’s possible when a community comes together. With its engaged staff, enthusiastic students, and supportive volunteers, Kilmer Elementary is a model for other schools on how to effectively manage and support the ZWS program.