Weilenmann School of Discovery is proud to be the first school in Park City to be recognized for sustainable practices and initiatives. This year the Utah Society for Environmental Education (USEE) registered WSD as a Utah Green School, and Recycle Utah certified WSD as a Utah Green Business. WSD’s “green” designation came after a concerted effort and commitment both to go green and to teach green to our school community.
As a Green School, WSD is teaching students in all grades how to take more responsibility for improving the environment at school, at home, and in the community. Schoolwide measures include:
- Eliminating single use plastic water bottle waste
- Using reusable dishes in the lunchroom
- Composting food waste from school lunches
- Recycling paper, plastics and aluminum
- Recycling paper waste as greenfiber
- Reducing idling of cars in the carlines
As a Green Business, WSD’s student-run Wapiti Waste Management Co. supplies one bin for food scraps, another for recyclables, a bin for trash, and collection bins for reusable trays, cups, bowls, and utensils. Students then train other students on what goes where.
In addition to these initiatives, WSD has installed solar panels through the Rocky Mountain Power Blue Sky Program; replaced all light bulbs with LEDs, installed a water bottle refilling station, and replaced cleaning chemicals with non-toxic products where allowable.
Being a Utah Green School is connecting WSD students to their environment and local community in ways that align with our mission and vision. As they explore 21st century sustainable practices, students are finding creative solutions for real world problems and raising awareness for sustainable living. Green School initiatives also provide leadership and mentoring opportunities for students in all grades, and are strengthening our school through a shared purpose — one that acknowledges the needs of our community now and for future generations.
