Old Trail School students in the Living Classroom working with water samples
“We believe it is our responsibility to teach students about environmental preservation through curriculum. We integrate environmental sustainability into all aspects of the School"
Bath, Ohio (PRWEB) October 24, 2014
Old Trail School received a 2014 Summit of Sustainability Award (SOSA) on October 23, 2014. These Awards recognize Summit County businesses, nonprofit and community organizations, and public sector (schools, government) for their efforts in initiating green, environmentally-friendly practices. This is the third year for the countywide awards program that showcases the best examples of commercial energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation and green purchasing. The Awards were presented by The City of Akron, Summit County, the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce and Keep Akron Beautiful/Greenprint for Akron.
Old Trail School has a passionate commitment to environmental sustainability that spans the entire organization – from facility to curriculum. This commitment is demonstrated by the following (all referenced in the School’s SOSA application):
- Sustainability Master Plan (includes curriculum, physical plant, food and operations)
- On-Site Wastewater Treatment System/Greenhouse (returns processed water directly to Cuyahoga River Watershed)
- 2+ acre Organic Farm with Honey Bee Hives: (joint project with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hattie Larlham Services for Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities)
- 320 KWh Solar Array (currently under construction - will produce 9,500,000+ KWh over 30 year life span and reduce electrical fossil fuel consumption by 1/3)
- Energy Conservation (low flush toilets, energy efficient furnaces, use of ambient sunlight in rooms, energy efficient windows and lighting)
- Reduced Use of Harmful Chemicals (ultraviolet lighting cleans pool water, environmentally approved carpeting installed using approved adhesives, Asbestos and mercury-free campus, Mowers mulch and no chemical fertilizers used on grassy areas, vinegar-based cleaners used in classrooms)
- Recycling/Reduced Waste (paper and plastics recycled – 118,542 pounds of paper since 2008, automatic hand dryers, dining hall trays eliminated)
- Composting (food composted on large scale in partnership with Summit Akron Solid Waste Management Authority) Curriculum (Electives include: Sustainable Shelters, Edible Classroom, Save the Bees, Save Our Planet), plantings of native species, “Beautiful Stuff” and visual arts units using recycled materials, maintenance of Wetland Garden, Edible Garden, annual Earth Day celebration and activities)
“Our faculty, staff and administration have an ongoing commitment to integrate environmental sustainability into the School’s curriculum. We have spent a great deal of time critically evaluating what the School can do to “go green” and be better stewards of the environment,” said John Farber, Head of School. “We believe it is our responsibility to teach students about environmental preservation through curriculum. We integrate environmental sustainability into all aspects of the School — our curriculum, facilities, food service and operations — and share our knowledge with others.”
Click here for the Old Trail School video shown at the Awards program.
Old Trail School Website] is an independent, coeducational day school for students aged two through grade eight. Located in the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Bath, Ohio, the School offers a personal, nurturing and academically challenging liberal arts program to students and families in a five-county region that emphasizes excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. For more information about Old Trail School visit oldtrail.org.
