Sustainability efforts at three of the six schools in the Princeton Public Schools received a boost, thanks to a Sustainable Jersey for Schools grant.
The school district received a $2,000 grant, which will be applied toward sustainability efforts at the Community Park School, the Littlebrook School and the Princeton Middle School.
It is one of 27 grants for $2,000 each awarded by Sustainable Jersey for Schools. The nonprofit group also awarded 13 grants for $10,000 each to school districts statewide.
At the Community Park School, money from the grant will be used to buy a full set of cutlery and the supplies needed to sanitize them. The goal is to move away from disposable service ware, Principal Dineen Gruchacz said.
A similar effort is under way at the Littlebrook School. The money will be used to buy additional sets of classroom service ware for events and parties. Silverware in the cafeteria will be replenished, and ketchup dispensers will replace individual ketchup packets.
“Expanding our collection of reusable wares supports our growing student body while reducing waste and fostering environmental responsibility,” Principal Luis Ramirez said.
And at the Princeton Middle School, there are plans to buy a worm composting center and four grow boxes. Students will learn about vermicomposting and gardening.
“We are thrilled to expand our hands-on sustainability initiatives,” Principal Jason Burr said. “These resources will empower students to design, build and maintain a new composting system.”
The Sustainable Jersey for Schools grants were funded by the New Jersey Education Association.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools was launched in 2015. There are 566 schools that have achieved Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. The nonprofit group has awarded more than $3.5 million in grants.
