Two Local Schools Lauded for Being Green

A pair of Long Beach elementary schools were among the campuses and districts honored today in the Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools Program.

Lowell Elementary and Twain Elementary schools were among just four honorees statewide, according to state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. The state program mirrors the federal Green Ribbon Schools initiative to honor energy efficiency, education on sustainability, and student health and wellness improvements.

"We all look forward to the day when every school is a green school," Torlakson said. "California Green Ribbon Schools recognizes and encourages the efforts of schools and districts to make a comprehensive environmental and sustainability education available to all students in healthy and efficient facilities."

Torlakson honored Lowell Elementary for its Learning Garden and its Green Team that actively promotes recycling. The school's Student Council also promotes Car Free Fridays, while 55 percent of students walk or bike to school.

Twain Elementary was honored for its trash diversion program that has reduced lunchtime waste by 85 percent, along with its monthly "Bottles & Cans Day" program that earns the school $2,500 a year in recycling income.

The schools will be honored at a ceremony in June. Torlakson also bestowed honors on the Encinitas Union Elementary School District in San Diego County and Santa Cruz City Schools.

--City News Service