On the evening of October 17, 2018, approximately 50 representatives from 12 Connecticut towns (Wilton, Weston, Westport, Greenwich, Stamford, Ridgefield, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Fairfield, Newtown, Brookfield) and members from Mamaroneck, NY, came together in Wilton’s Middlebrook School cafeteria for the first Zero Waste Schools Coalition meeting.
As part of Wilton Go Green’s Zero Waste Initiatives the Zero Waste Schools Coalition was formed to create a platform for schools in Connecticut and beyond to connect, learn and share ways to introduce or enhance programming to reduce waste in our schools.
Attendees heard first from Wilton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Smith, members of the Wilton Zero Waste Schools Committee, Center for EcoTechnology, Children's Environmental Literacy Foundation, Curbside Compost, and representatives from Wilton’s Chartwells Food Service. The second half of the meeting was dedicated to an open forum. A lively dialogue ensued over how to work with carting companies, what should be the first steps in bringing a Zero Waste program into a school, and how to change habits and minds of all who are involved. Open invitations were made for attendees to visit other school districts, and other collaborations were initiated.
Coalition participants will receive a follow-up email sharing contacts, presentations and resources to continue “ZW” discussion in their communities, and to encourage further outreach.
Anyone (i.e., administrators, teachers, custodians, food service employees, parents, community members and students) interested in reducing waste in their schools (pre-K through college) can join the Zero Waste Schools Coalition by registering here.
The next Zero Waste Schools Coalition meeting with coincide with the second annual Zero Waste Faire at the Wilton High School Field House on Saturday, March 23, 2019. Meanwhile, coalition members are encouraged to advance the collective knowledge around this important aspect of overall environmental sustainability.
Visit the Wilton Zero Waste Schools program website for more info.
Questions? Email Coalition Chair Tammy Thornton
Published on Oct 19 2018 11:38 AM
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