CHICAGO – In his continued efforts to promote recycling efforts and reduce waste, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced more than $43,000 in funding from the Illinois Zero Waste Schools Grant Program to Rockridge Unit 30 in Taylor Ridge, East Dubuque Unit School District 119 and Wethersfield School District 230 in Kewanee to expand recycling opportunities in schools across Northwest Illinois. 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 schools across the region 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.
Rockridge Unit 30 in Taylor Ridge, Rock Island County, is receiving $20,000 in Level II funding, to help two schools reach their zero waste goal. Rockridge Junior and Senior High Schools currently recycle fibers and printer cartridges, and the expanded program will include aluminum cans, steel, #1/#2 plastics, milk cartons, colored and clear glass and books. Both schools practice two-sided copying and a one note per family policies, the cafeteria has reusable utensils and the students regularly hold locker clean-outs. (Contact: Candy Blankenship – 309/795.1172).
The East Dubuque Unit School District #119 is receiving $19,750 in Level II funding which will be used at both East Dubuque High School and East Dubuque Elementary School to expand the current recycling programs. Food waste, milk cartons and kitchen paper products will all be vermicomposted. These schools now recycle fibers, aluminum, steel, #1/#2 plastics, electronics, printer cartridges, batteries and six-pack rings. Based on a waste audit, it was determined that an additional 2,475 pounds of food and paper waste could be diverted from landfills per month with the implementation of a vermicomposting program. Both schools currently have active recycling and source reduction programs. (Don Loeffelholz – 815/747.3188 x1107).
Wethersfield High School in Kewanee is receiving a $3,696 Level I grant to initiate a school recycling program and expand source reduction practices. The school currently only recycles printer cartridges. The purchase of classroom and office recycling containers will greatly expand the school’s recycling program and, additionally, markerboards for classrooms will also be purchased to greatly reduce the volume of waste going to the landfill. (Barb Safiran – 309/853.4205).
“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 innovative recycling efforts, which are an investment in the future,” said State Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-Moline).
“By enhancing recycling efforts in schools across the region, we are creating a stronger system in Illinois that is reducing waste and helping children play an active role in protecting our environment. I commend Gov. Blagojevich for his support of this important program,” said State Rep. Pat Verschoore (D-Rock Island).
“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.