CHICAGO – In his continued efforts to promote recycling efforts and reduce waste, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced almost $15,000 in funding from the Illinois Zero Waste Schools Grant Program to Edwardsville High School and Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto to expand recycling opportunities in Madison County. 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 of our youth 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.
Edwardsville Community Unit School Dist 7 is receiving $10,000 in Level II funding to purchase hand dryers at Edwardsville High School. By installing these hand dryers, the school will divert a minimum of 11,000 pounds per year of paper from Illinois landfills. The high school currently recycles steel, fibers, plastics, batteries, six-pack rings and printer cartridges. The source reduction activities include two-sided copying, using both sides of paper prior to recycling, paperless announcements and classroom presentations. (Contact: John Ginestra – 618/656.7100 x20795)
Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto is receiving $4,915 to purchase recycling containers, white boards, smart boards and projection equipment. By installing the source reduction equipment, the school will be closer to total zero waste status. The current source reduction activities include waste-free lunches, reusable cafeteria utensils, composting paper towels, locker clean-outs, book exchanges, and paperless announcements and classrooms presentations. The school currently recycles fibers, aluminum and six-pack rings, and the expanded program will include #1 plastics, printer cartridges and cell phones. (Renee Reznack – 618/377.7220).
“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 our future,” said State Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton).
“By enhancing recycling efforts in these two high schools, we are creating a stronger system in Illinois that is reducing waste and helping young adults play an active role in protecting our environment. I commend Gov. Blagojevich for his support of this important program,” said State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville).
“The Governor’s Zero Waste Schools Grant Program is a terrific way to help the next generation understand how individual recycling can go a long way to help our environment. I look forward to continue expanding these efforts across the region,” aid State Rep. Daniel Beiser (D-Alton).
“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.