Our Schools

Resource Conservation

Olympia School District is committed to implementing and promoting sustainability in its school facilities and operations. With thoughtful planning, comprehensive systems analysis, careful utility use tracking, as well as awareness raising, OSD is incorporating resource conservation practices into the everyday operations of schools and public education.

Browse this site for information about OSD's resource use and ideas about how you can help contribute to the District's conservation goals.

"Click here" to read the September Issue of The Green Wire, the newsletter dedicated to promoting resource conservation in the Olympia School District!

Top 10 Waste Reducing Tips for Back to School:

  1. Purchase a reusable lunch box or bag instead of using disposable lunch sacks. It not only saves money over the long run but also significantly reduces waste going to landfills.
  2. Buy reusable containers for sandwiches and snacks, rather than individual bags. Using 2-3 bags per lunch adds up to a lot of unnecessary waste and expense!
  3. Buy a sturdy, comfortable backpack that your child can use year after year. You can also find a styling, gently used, pack at many second-hand stores.
  4. Purchase recycled paper – then try to use both sides to reduce waste even further. Americans could save 85 million tons of paper annually by simply reusing and recycling.
  5. Use brown paper bags from your groceries as book covers for your child’s textbooks. Your children can design their own covers from these bags, most of which are made of recycled materials.
  6. When purchasing notebook binders, consider those with clear slipcover fronts that can be reused. Have your kids create their own cover and simply replace it from project to project.
  7. Reuse last year’s plastic art or pencil box by decorating it with fabric paint and creating an all-new look and design. No need to buy another one!
  8. Try to buy water-based paints and soy-based crayons, which are better for the environment than oil-based products.
  9. Purchase a reusable drink container for your drinks rather than continually buying individual drink boxes.
  10. Buy in bulk and avoid individually prepackaged items. It is significantly less expensive and can reduce what’s thrown away. About 1/3 of all garbage in landfills is packaging.

Update on Comingled and Mixed Waste Paper Recycling

Wondering exactly what goes into those Comingled and Mixed Waste Paper recycling bins? You're not the only one. Click on the following links to learn more about Comingled Recycling and Mixed Paper Recycling guidelines. You are also welcome to email your recycling questions directly to the District.