Future Sustainability Leaders: Soaring Heights PK-8 Students Kick Off Zero-Waste Initiative
On Monday, May 12, students at Soaring Heights PK-8 conducted a cafeteria waste audit with the help of Eco-Cycle’s Green Star Schools program associates.
As Soaring Heights PK-8 becomes a Green Star School in the upcoming 2025-26 school year, this waste audit establishes a baseline of how effectively students and staff are currently sorting waste, and identifying areas where recycling and composting could be improved. Based on the results of the audit, participating students will share their findings next year in the form of announcements and posters.
The participating students from grades four through five were chosen for their demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship and their eagerness to serve as leaders in recycling and composting efforts. A key component of the Green Star School Program is student engagement. Schools work to build student-led teams that advocate for and model zero-waste behaviors, helping to build a culture of sustainability from the inside out. The program, active in 23 schools across the district, provides resources, training and support for composting, recycling, and waste-reduction practices.
In addition to waste audits, Eco-Cycle offers a range of educational resources and in-school presentations for students, teachers, and PTO groups. The organization collaborates directly with schools to integrate environmental education into everyday learning, emphasizing real-world action and community impact. As a Green Star School sponsor, St. Vrain Valley Schools is dedicated to leading energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives that directly benefit the St. Vrain Valley School community.
Becoming a Green Star School marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Soaring Heights PK-8. The cafeteria waste audit was one of many steps towards kickstarting a school-wide transformation that empowers students to take charge of sustainability efforts and influence real change. Not only do students learn about zero-waste practices—they lead them. For the 15 students selected as sustainability champions, their participation is essential in building a culture of responsibility and stewardship that will ripple throughout the school, district, and broader St. Vrain Valley School community.