
Lynch View Elementary School
1546 SE 169th Place
Portland, OR 97233
(503) 762-3203
Now
in its fifth year as a Premier Oregon Green School, Lynch View
Elementary School’s “earth-friendly” efforts
are led by the Triple R’s Environmental Club, a group of
dedicated 4th, 5th, and 6th graders that meets every Tuesday after
school under the guidance of advisors Gloria Kelsay and Lynne Abts.
In addition to providing weekly collection and sorting of all
recyclables, the Triple R’s students plan and present performances to
teach others the importance of using resources wisely. Other “green” projects
the club has recently undertaken include replacing incandescent
lights with compact fluorescents, collecting and sorting discard
copies for reuse in the copiers or as scratch paper, and putting
together Party Kits containing reusable plates, cups and utensils
(instead of disposables) for classroom and staff events. The club
also provides an “Eco-hints” column for the parent
newsletter, runs a printer and toner cartridge recycling program,
presents waste reduction information to the PTA and attends Oregon
Green Schools summits. The school is centered around a courtyard where native plants
abound and feeders welcome feathered (and furry) friends
to enjoy the
surroundings, which include a waterfall and pond constructed
by students, staff and parent volunteers. A picnic table
and benches
made from 100% recycled plastic provide a leisurely place to
sit and enjoy the view or do schoolwork. The Triple R’s (with
the help of master gardener Kathy Eisenzimmer, a retired LV teacher)
maintain the area, cleaning and filling feeders, pulling weeds,
planting, raking and composting in the compost bins and worm bin
which are tucked into the corner of the courtyard.
The school takes advantage of opportunities to educate the
public about waste reduction and incorporates recycling
into community
events held at the school. A prime example of this is the annual
Winter Breakfast. As a result of reducing, reusing and recycling
efforts, less than one garbage bag full of trash is produced
during the entire event! Photo caption: The Triple R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Environmental
Club of Lynch View
Elementary School and their advisors, teachers
Gloria Kelsay and Lynne Abts.
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