Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon

Here at Stephen-Argyle Central our Integrated Science II class has a recycling program that started in 2007-2008. We Recycle cardboard, office paper, magazines, aluminum cans, pop tabs, plastic bottles, and newspaper. In the year 2009 alone we have accumulated 3,572 pounds of cardboard, 2,123 pounds of office paper, and 918 pounds of magazines. Sense the beginning of the project we have saved an equivalent of 34 trees, 14,000 gallons of water, 924 gallons of oil, and 18 cubic yards of landfill space. From all the office paper we have recycled we have saved 19 trees, 4,000 kilowatts of energy, 7,000 gallons of water, and 380 gallons of oil. Every kilowatt of energy saved is equal to 2.3 pounds of carbon dioxide NOT released into the atmosphere. The 4,000 kilowatts of energy we saved has prevented 9,200 pounds of carbon dioxide from going into the atmosphere.

Our Integrated Science ll Class has come up with the idea for students to be green on their way to school. The name of our new project is called the “Carpool Raffle.” For the raffle the student has to walk, bus, bike, or carpool to school or practice; 8 out of the 10 days during a 2 week period. We hold raffles every two weeks. On the Friday of the second week we draw the winner. The winner is able to pick from three prizes: 1. $10 school store gift certificate 2. two weeks in the front of the lunch line or school store line with a friend 3. One free pizza of your choice.