Since 2007, CVSan has been certifying schools for their completion of activities and reduction of trash through the Green Ribbon Schools Program. The Green Ribbon application is updated annually and includes categories with the “4Rs” and more.  There are 6 total categories consisting of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot (Compost), Environmental Education, and Administration Promotion in all with requirements and highlights within each section. 

Shown above are Green Ribbon certified school representatives, the CVSan Board and CVSan General Manager Roland Williams at the CVSan Board meeting on June 5, 2012

Some of the required activities through Green Ribbon include:

• Food Scrap Recycling (Organics) containers in school kitchens.
• Recycling containers at lunch time.
• Recycling containers, with signage, in all classrooms, offices, workrooms and copy rooms.
• Complete a waste audit each year.
• Encourage double-sided printing and post signs to reduce waste.

Schools are also awarded through Green Ribbon, by tier based on school size, diversion, number of activities completed, and more. Cash awards up to $2,775 per school per school year are given and schools have received over $85,000 through Green Ribbon.  These awards go back into the school programs to reduce waste and improve recycling and organics collection.

2012/13 Green Ribbon Application - FOG Materials

FOG/Chemicals Survey (Section 1, Activity #11)
FOG Awareness - Student Assignments/Classroom Activities (Section 1, Activity #12)
FOG Sink Flyer - (Section 3, Activity #18)
FOG Flyer (Section 5, Activity #14)
 

Click here to see which schools became certified Green Ribbon Schools in 2011/12. 

Almost every school in Castro Valley has now participated in the Green Ribbon program at one point and most continue to do so each year!

Other CVSan School Programs:

3rd Grade 4Rs Field Trip

Schools Food Scrap Recycling Program

School Waste Audit Program