Episcopal School in Glendale Awarded Waste Reduction Innovation Grant from Hamilton County R3Source
GLENDALE – CINCINNATI, OH. February 7, 2023 – Bethany School, a K-8 private school in Glendale, is going greener with a commitment to promote zero waste in the cafeteria lunch program. With the launch of the Towards Zero Waste Initiative, the school was awarded the Waste Reduction Innovation Grant from Hamilton County R3Source, the county’s solid waste district whose mission is to reduce reliance on landfills through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling programs. This partnership has further educated the campus community on zero-waste behaviors to achieve its goal of a 70% waste diversion by 2025.
“Hamilton County R3Source has been happy to partner with Bethany School as they work toward their sustainability efforts, specifically reducing waste,” says Elise Roalef, Outreach Specialist at Hamilton County R3Source. “They have been an excellent example of how a school can involve the whole community in its waste reduction goals.”
The waste reduction plan is steered by student leadership in the school’s Eco-Hawks Club, a 6th through 8th-grade green team. After conducting a series of lunch waste audits, they were able to demonstrate how most of their cafeteria waste stream was either compostable or recyclable if disposed of correctly. The grant award was used to purchase a new waste sorting station, bulk dispensers, and reusable dishware and flatware. In addition, Bethany School has initiated commercial food waste composting supplied by composting courier GoZero.
“We are very grateful to receive this award from Hamilton County R3Source, who have been incredibly helpful in supporting our Towards Zero Waste Initiative,” explained Vivian Melody, Director of Sustainability and Communications. “By connecting student learning with daily habit, we can better equip them to think critically and holistically as global citizens entering a changing world.”
Bethany School is a community where all members can thrive. Learn more at www.bethanyschool.org. Follow Bethany School on Instagram @bethany_school and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BethanySchoolOH.
