Ten schools from across the state of Tennessee, including Notre Dame High School, were recognized as having the top school environmental programs at the University of Tennessee football game on Saturday. The schools were the winners of the 2017 Good Sports Always Recycle school challenge, which rewards schools for their programs designed to actively manage environmental impact and/or educate students and communities about environmental stewardship.
This is the 24th year for the competition, and the 2017 winning schools included: Saint Dominic Catholic School and John Adams Elementary School, Kingsport; South Lawrence School, Loretto; The Farm School, Summertown; Norris Middle School, Norris; Sewanee Elementary School, Sewanee; Gallatin Senior High School, Gallatin; and Haynesfield Elementary School, Bristol. Each school received $1,000 for their environmental program, as well as a one-of-a-kind UT football experience with an awards presentation in the Vol Network studios, a special tailgate celebration, and on-field recognition during the game.
Additionally, two schools were awarded $1,500 for their efforts: South Knoxville Elementary School was honored as the Best New Program, and Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga received the Sustainability Steward Award.
"The state of Tennessee is best able to achieve our environmental goals when we all participate in sustainable activities,” said Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau. “TDEC is proud to recognize schools that add value to students’ education and their lives by encouraging programs that teach the importance of waste diversion.”
The GSAR program, which is sponsored by Eastman, Waste Connections and Food City, in cooperation with the University of Tennessee, has awarded more than $160,000 to K-12 schools in Tennessee for their environmental programs.
“Eastman and the Good Sports Always Recycle program have been recognizing schools for over two decades," said David A. Golden, senior vice president, chief legal and sustainability officer adn corporate secretary at Eastman. "We are not only educating students about the importance of environmental stewardship, we are assisting schools across the state in making a positive impact in their communities. Small changes can make a big difference. I’m proud that this program continues to inspire students and educators to do their part in making a big difference in the world.”
The GSAR program also includes an online educational packet, available at www.Eastman.com/GSAR, which helps teachers with lesson plans as well as gives ideas for schools looking to establish or strengthen their programs.
“School programs come in a variety of forms and include everything from reducing waste, providing environmental education and reducing overall impact through energy and water conservation to general recycling programs, the use of green space or other environmentally-focused programs,” said Kevin Stafford, Food City vice president of Marketing.
On UT campus, the Good Sports Always Recycle Program also includes recycling, composting and donating programs in the UT athletic facilities, including Neyland Stadium.
“The GSAR program recycled 211,120 pounds of material, composted 28,000 pounds and donated 11,305 pounds food during the 2016 football season alone,” said Greg Hee, division vice president of Waste Connections. “That means more than 125 tons of material was diverted from the landfill for the 2016 season.”
Schools interested in learning more about the Good Sports Always Recycle program, should visit www.Eastman.com/GSAR.