The Ben Franklin Project was a Zero Waste Case Study for the Portland Public School District. The schools included in this project, Binnsmead, Hosford and Sellwood Middle Schools, made a commitment to acheiving Zero Waste Disposal. Although none of the shools accomplished the ultimate goal of Zero Waste Disposed, they all made dramatic headway towards the goal. At the same time bringing the problem of recycling waste to the minds of students from very diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.

The students embraced the project as did the janitors and faculty.

The goals were accomplished due to several reasons;

*Top down commitment
*Using a central coordinator to collect data and communicate results
*Developing teams of teachers, students, the custodian, and principal
*Organizing resource use data for easy access and dissemination
*creating information loops to develop understanding and awareness
*Public recognition to build commitment and a sense of accomplishment

There was concern that finding a school that would want to try and attain the goal of Zero waste might be a problem. However three schools announced their intentions to be a part of this project after reviewing data previously obtained through other case studies and projects.

Call Us Today!!

503-557-9742