Recycling

Potomac Expands Recycling Program

During the last year Potomac’s Recycling Committee worked with Waste Management Incorporated (WMI) to expand our long-standing recycling program.

We now collect and recycle mixed materials, including multi-colored paper, soda cans, plastic water bottles, glass bottles, aluminum foil, and a host of other items we used to throw away. We have extra bins for convenience and signage that encourages recycling.


The Intermediate School has been coordinating recycling on the North Campus for years. Coinciding with the launch of the R3 Challenge, the IS Environmental Club initiated a revamped recycling collection program, which is faster and more efficient. The Upper School Students for Environmental Action made a study of the recycling processes and needs of the new buildings. The Club then ordered additional recycling bins where needed and organized a collection system through advisory groups.


In addition the School has for years recycled: ballasts and fluorescent tubes, bus and truck batteries, motor oil and filters, antifreeze, and electronic waste (computers, printers, monitors etc).

 

 

 

 

 

Everyday Tips for Students to Reduce your Carbon Footprint

Avoid Buying Water in Bottles

Roughly 1.5 million pounds of plastic are used each year to bottle water. Buy a water bottle and fill it from the tap. The energy used to bottle and transport one bottle of Perrier water from France to be consumed in America is enormous.

Reduce your Battery Consumption

America uses 3 billion batteries each year. Batteries contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and nickel, which can contaminate the environment. When incinerated, certain metals might be released into the air or can concentrate in the ash produced by the combustion process. Use rechargable batteries when possible. Properly recycle your batteries.

Avoid Creating Waste - Reuse, Reduce, Recycle

Do you really need that new pair of shoes, a new phone, another MP3 player? What you consume does increase your carbon footprint. Simplify your lifestyle and help the planet.

Take Shorter Showers

Do you really need that 15 minute shower? Millions of people live on a few gallons of water a day. Besides wasting a valuable resource, water consumption takes lots of energy. You can look beautiful after a 5 minute shower - give it a try!