Advocacy > Local initiatives > LPS initiatives
Recycling
LPS’s recycling program varies from school to school, allowing each building to use whatever strategy is most beneficial for its given situation. “Collections are done by many different groups, such as specific grade levels, like kindergarten classes studying ‘garbology’ or a 5th grade science class. Other groups include school Green Teams, student councils, Community Learning Center after-school programs, and Special Education classes.” Their collection of different items teaches students how to properly clean and sort recycling, and overall fosters a sense of intention and sustainability.
Composting
Each school composts its food scraps and other organic waste – the waste then goes to a different composting facility, depending on the location. Not only does this help divert more waste from the landfill, but it also helps cut down on the district’s overall greenhouse gas emissions, as composting acts as a form of carbon sequestration.
Overall waste management
Each month, LPS puts together a waste diversion report and makes it public, so members of the Lincoln community can see exactly how big of a difference the district’s recycling and composting efforts make.
Energy use
Around 90% of the square footage of the LPS school district is heated and cooled using geothermal energy, a renewable energy source. In addition to this amazing sustainable and economic transition, LPS also utilizes technology to reduce their overall energy usage.
Water use
LPS relies on more than just technology to reduce their water use. Though high school fields are irrigated, LPS focuses on planting maintenance vegetation and ground cover, such as drought-resistant shrubs. Otherwise, low-flow and monitered water fixtures are installed when renovated to help continue to reduce the district’s water usage.
Gardens and outdoor learning
In addition to all of the above, LPS also has a variety of outdoor learning centers and modified community gardens where students can learn to grow their own produce.
Supporting these initiatives
It’s important for Lincoln residents – whether or not you have a child in the district – to show their support for LPS’s sustainability initiatives. You can do so through contacting your representative on the Lincoln Board of Education.
Find your LPS District through following the link below, entering your address and scrolling down to find the “School board ward.” Find your districts’s representative and contact information using the other link below.
SustainLNK 