Coldstream Elementary’s Green Team is implementing waste reduction and diversion efforts for the upcoming spring carnival Wednesday.
More than 300 Coldstream students and parents are expected to turn out from 5 to 7 p.m. for the annual evening of food and fun.
“It’s great to see our parents advisory council embracing the three Rs in planning our biggest fundraising event of the year,” said principal Brian Stevens.
Several area businesses have stepped up to support the school’s initiative in moving toward a zero-waste event.
Spa Hills Compost will be accepting the food waste generated, and Vernon’s Water Store is contributing a self-serve water station to help reduce the number of disposable bottles at the event.
“I love the idea of Coldstream moving toward a zero-waste event. Teaching our kids about it at a young age is so important,” said Rick Monahan with Nature’s Fare Markets, which has donated reusable totes for the take-home goodies, and prizes kids collect throughout the evening.
Volunteer waste station attendants will manage compost, refundable, mixed recycling and landfill bins. And will they be recognizable in their upcycled Starbucks barista aprons that have been re-branded with the Coldstream Green Team logo, designed by former student Cory Dobson.
“The donated and repurposed aprons are both fun and functional for our volunteers. We’ll be easy to spot in our green aprons which is important because education and awareness is a big part of what we’re doing,” said Theresa McNaughton, parent and Green Team volunteer.