A joint environmental program between the County of Simcoe and the three School boards in the region is resulting in substantial green dividends.
The Learning and Living Green program involves the collection of recyclable and organic materials in more than 100 elementary schools across the County.
The boards involved include the Simcoe County District School board, the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board and the French Catholic school board.
The Director of Environmental Services for County of Simcoe, Rob McCullough says since its introduction last year, it has had an immediate impact.
The amount of materials diverted has increased by more than 400 per cent compared to the same period last year.
He says the Learning and Living Green program is supported with ongoing outreach to local schools through presentations, posters and an annual bulletin for students.
McCullough also says the County is also in the final stages of developing a mobile education unit.
The unit, which will be equipped with interactive games to teach the benefits of waste reduction and waste diversion through the blue box and organics programs.
He says this will not only be utilized at local schools but at various special events throughout the County as well.
