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.