What You Can Do

Energy

Check your Vending Machine Miser

Vending Misers help save energy used by cold beverage vending machines. Look for the sensor positioned at the top of the machine. If you do not see one, call for installation at 596-8566.

What is a Vending Miser? The Vending Miser uses a motion sensor to detect activity around the machine and ensures the machine is ready to dispense. When the sensor has not detected motion for 15 minutes, it puts the machine into a "sleep" mode.

Do drinks really stay cold? Yes. This is a smart sensor that monitors the temperature around the machine to calculate when the compressor needs to cycle on to maintain proper vending temperature. In fact, the product stays colder because the compressor, which produces heat, is turning on less frequently.

Does it save energy? Yes. Each miser can save about $150 a year. The vending machine runs only when needed, usually during the day. It turns down when not in use; at night and on weekends. This helps the District cut energy use during the "off hours." The Vending Miser does not hinder the mechanics of the vending machine, rather it can help to extend the life of the machine.

If you see a red light on the sensor: the compressor has been running continuously for more than 24 hours. A malfunctioning machine costs the District wasteful energy dollars and needs to be repaired as soon as possible. Please contact the Resource Conservation Manager at 596-8566 for assistance. Please have the vending service contact information handy.

Do not block the sensor. A blocked sensor cannot detect motion and will stay in sleep mode. Please keep the top of the vending machine clear.

Watt Watchers On Duty

Watt Watchers is an educational program package to assist schools in reducing their energy consumption. Students on ‘power patrol’ learn how to cut their school’s resource use and share information with peers and teachers. Schools in our region that have participated in the Watt Watchers program have seen reductions of 5 - 15% in energy use, resulting in savings of $3,000 - $11,000 for the year. Simple behavioral changes and school awareness is all it takes to make a big impact in your school’s energy use. For more information, call the OSD Resource Conservation program office at 596-8566.

Solid Waste

Start a Waste Reduction Campaign at your School

Look around and see what can you recycle, reuse or not buy in the first place. The US EPA has many resources to help schools become "Waste Wise" and local organizations provide educational assistance to interested teachers and classrooms. Reduce + Recycle = Waste Reduction: A Guide for Schools & Groups is a great guidebook to help you get started. Thurston County Water & Waste Management also offers educational materials and assistance.

Monitor the Waste at Your School

Solid waste hauling needs can change over time. Changes in student population, school activities or recycling programs change garbage generation. Some schools may be able to reduce their dumpster size or number of weekly pick-ups. This can save money. Monitoring the garbage and recycling containers for a month can give you great information about the current hauling status. Work with your custodian to track garbage and recycling levels at the time of pick up with this visual tracking sheet. Then call the Resource Conservation Manager (596-8566) to discuss possible changes to reduce your school's utility expenses.

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.

Water

Want to be Water Wise?

GetWise Resource Action Programs® can help students get wise about water resources. Do you know where your drinking water comes from? Did you know saving water also saves energy? Want to learn how our everyday actions can impact our water quality and quantity? Teacher and student activity kits are available for free to participating 5^th grade teachers. WaterWise kits include home efficiency tools and audit activities, lesson plans, posters, video and state standard correlations. If you are interested in implementing this program or have further questions, contact Domnick Iwasyk at 1-888-438-9473, x 110.

Transportation

Promote Alternative Transporation Options

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington offers free in-school programs and support to educate students about arriving safely at their school by bike or foot. The Safe Routes to School Program helps the school community determine safe walking, biking and school site traffic strategies. Click here to find out more!

Environmentally Preferred Purchasing

Get up-to-date on how to have a waste-free holiday!

Get earth friendly by going green in your shopping!

Look for good used items before you buy. Look in your desk or supply drawers for things you could share with others. Reducing your shopping list helps save money and saves the natural resources it takes to manufacture new products. When you do shop, choose to buy items that last, thrift store fashions or those made with recycled content. Also bring your own shpping bag and look for items without extra packaging.

See Beyond Waste at the Department of Ecology's website.

Top 10 Waste Reducing Tips:

Use a reusable lunch box or bag.
Buy reusable containers for sandwiches and snacks.
Choose clothing styles you can live with a long time.
Buy recycled paper and write on both sides.
Make book covers from recycled materials such as brown paper bags, used wrapping paper or cloth.
Donate used clothes, books, toys and packs for the next child.
If your school has a food waste program, use it, otherwise encourage your administration to start a program.
Use the library to borrow books instead of buying new.
Use a reusable drink container for your drinks.
Buy in bulk and avoid individually prepackaged items.

Our Schools