Local students help advance program through education

The City of Colorado Springs and Greener Corners recycling bins located throughout downtown and in seven major parks are achieving an average diversion rate of 40 percent per month;that’s

40 tons of recyclables over 8 months with an estimated environmental equivalent of:

• Saving 344 trees, or
• Conserving 507,000 gallons of water (enough water to fill 23 swimming pools), or
• Taking 31 cars off the road, or
• Saving 668,895 KWh of energy (enough electricity to light 764 light bulbs for a year), or
• Reducing oil consumption by 18,226 gallons, or
• Averting 117,188 pounds of greenhouse gasses.

Educational Component Is Key to Success

The recycling program encompasses more than recycling, and education is a key component. Greener Corners and School District 11have partnered to create a program to further “green” efforts in the Colorado Springs community and support student achievement through shared time and resources.

A pilot project is underway at Palmer High School under the direction of principal Laura Disney and teacher Erica Rewey who supervises the school’s Eco Club. To date, Palmer students have attended an interactive Greener Corners sustainability workshop/pizza party and participated in educating event-goers alongside Greener Corners at the Festival of Lights Parade. Upcoming in February is a speed networking event designed to facilitate opportunities for students with relevant organizations and businesses for career planning.

“The project creates opportunities for Palmer High School students to apply what they learn in the classroom to hands-on experiences in the community as it relates to environmental and sustainability issues,” comments LouAnn Dekleva, Supervisor Community Partnerships, School District 11.

The Greener Corners program is made possible by the advertising sponsors. To advertise with Greener Corners, contact Madeleine Mellini at 719-578-3333 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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