CHICAGO – In his continued efforts to promote recycling efforts and reduce waste, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced almost $20,000 in funding from the Illinois Zero Waste Schools Grant Program to four school districts across Ogle, Boone and Winnebago Counties. The Ogle County Educational Co-op, North Boone C.U.S.D. #200, Harlem Consolidated School District #122 and Rockford Lutheran Schools will use this funding to expand recycling opportunities in schools across the Rock River Valley. These recycling grants are administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and come as a part of Opportunity Returns, Gov. Blagojevich's pro-active, regional economic development strategy designed to create even more jobs and spur continued growth across the region.
“You can never be too young to take part in recycling, so it’s especially important to promote these efforts in schools where students can play a direct role in creating a cleaner environment. We are helping more Rock River Valley schools expand their recycling programs, which are allowing more children to become a part of this critical practice that is reducing waste and lessening the demand on our landfills,” Gov. Blagojevich said.
The goal of the Zero Waste Schools Grant Program is to motivate Illinois schools to reduce, reuse, and recycle their waste with the goal of moving to zero waste status. Schools are able to apply under Level I or Level II funding requirements. Under Level I funding, schools are required to recycle at least white paper and aluminum cans, and implement a minimum of three source reduction activities. Level I funding is based on student population. Level II funding is based on actual costs of materials needed to reach determined zero waste goals set by the applicant, which were based on waste audit findings. Public schools, through district offices, and private schools are both eligible to apply for funding.
The Ogle County Educational Co-op is receiving $9,958 in level II funding to expand recycling and source reduction activities at the Chana Education Center. A recent waste audit found that each school year at least a half-ton of waste could be kept out of landfills by increasing the number of commodities that are collected and by adding source reduction activities. The biggest impact will come from implementing reusables in the cafeteria. (Contact: Ralph Gleissner – 815.732.4664 ex.109).
North Boone C.U.S.D. #200 is receiving $4,956 to be divided between three schools in Poplar Grove for zero waste projects. North Boone Middle School, Poplar Grove Elementary and Manchester Elementary in Poplar Grove currently have recycling and source reduction programs, which will be expanded to include additional activities. The primary change will be switching from throw-away cafeteria utensils to reusable trays and silverware. The recycling programs will continue to collect fibers, electronics, books and printer cartridges. (Contact: Cathy Nelson – 815/765.3322).
Harlem Consolidated School District #122 is receiving $2,650 for zero waste activities at Marquette Elementary School in Machesney Park. The school will purchase collection containers to expand its existing recycling efforts to also include milk cartons, clear and colored glass, steel, #1/#2 plastics and electronics. The school will also purchase hand dryers for restrooms. (Contact: Scott Horsch – 815/654.4503).
Rockford Lutheran Jr/Sr. High School is receiving $2,281, which will be used to purchase a building for storing recyclables and additional collection containers. The school now recycles printer cartridges and cell phones and, with the construction of a storage shed and new containers, it will begin recycling all fibers. The school is transitioning to a paperless office, and its retired textbooks will be shredded and recycled rather than landfilled. (Contact: John Ragland – 815/877.9551).
“Promoting recycling practices in our schools is helping to teach our children how their actions can make a real difference in reducing waste and conserving energy. My thanks to Gov. Blagojevich for supporting these important recycling efforts, which are an investment in the future,” said State Rep. Chuck Jefferson (D-Rockford).
“Gov. Blagojevich understands that strategically investing in recycling is both an environmentally and economically sound decision. These grants are helping schools reduce their waste levels, while getting kids more involved and interested in recycling. These types of progressive partnerships are what Opportunity Returns is all about,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.
Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.