Did you know that Bell PTSA implemented a composting program at Bell Elementary in 2019, which resulted in more than a 50% reduction in our landfill contribution? The impact was substantial and we are extremely proud of this work.The implementation of this program was not easy and involved an immense amount of work (involving the city of Kirkland and Lake Washington School District). We worked with the school, district, and King County to relaunch the program after returning to school from remote learning. 

 

Ridwell Recycling Drive

 

We have the chance to keep plastic film out of landfills! This spring, aligned with Earth Month, AG Bell is hosting a Ridwell recycling drive. You’re invited to bring plastic film (ziptop bags, grocery bags, bubble wrap, and lots more) to school between April 1st and May 4th and Ridwell will make sure it stays out of landfills. Start collecting plastic film now so you have a bunch to bring during the drive!
 
This info sheet explains what plastic film is and why it’s hard to recycle, and this video shows a ton of examples. All the plastic film we collect during the drive will be turned into Trex decking!
 
Curious about Ridwell at-home recycling pickup? They collect hundreds of common household items you can’t recycle curbside, like plastic food packaging, lightbulbs, clothes, Styrofoam, and more. You can help the school earn rewards if you sign up for a household membership by May 23. We’ll earn pickup of the school’s plastic film for the entire ‘25/’26 school year when 10 new members sign up. 
 
Find out more by clicking HERE—it’s a unique link just for our school, so when you sign up there, your membership counts toward our totals. You can share it with friends and family, too, and their membership will also count! (Just make sure they live in a Ridwell service area.)
 

 

Green Team Priorities 

  • Maintain the composting, food-donation, and food-share programs at Bell and support efforts for all schools in the district to implement these programs.
  • Continue to work with legislators and other key stakeholders (e.g., Sodexo, school board, district, and principal) on changes we can make both locally and at the legislative level.
  • Follow best practices guide for reducing single-use plastics at PTSA events
  • Build community engagement through education and events

 

The Sustainability Committee, which is composed of sustainability chairs from schools throughout Lake Washington School District, meets monthly (second Thursday of the month) where they share best practices and organize efforts to execute on defined objectives. We look forward to collaborating with volunteers in the community to make this happen!

 

We want to hear from you! What are your concerns and priorities? Let's all come together to make our school and community healthier and more forward-looking. Anyone who is interested in getting involved, please email Amanda Gibson (Bell's Sustainability Chair) at greenteam@agbellptsa.org.

 

 

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