Sustainability Spotlight: Krista Couton at Robinson Elementary
This month’s Sustainability Spotlight is shining on Krista Couton, sustainability champion and music teacher at Robinson Elementary School! This brand new building was designed with sustainability in mind, but that all gets put to the test once people actually start moving into the spaces and using them. With the sustainable design of the school and support from students and staff, Robinson has already become a leader of sustainable initiatives this school year.
As a first time champion, Couton has used the Green Schools Recognition Program activities list to generate ideas of ways Robinson can become even more sustainable through student and staff behaviors.
The Green Schools Recognition Program encourages schools to participate in green activities that help reduce the environmental impact of the school. Activities can be submitted for a chance to earn points and be awarded funding.
Some of the activities completed so far this school year include:
- Water Waste Campaign
- Save a Tree Campaign
- Bring Your Own Water Bottle Campaign
- school-wide composting presentations
- Goodwill Donation Drive
Couton has encouraged student participation for the sustainability efforts by having them collaborate and brainstorm ways to reduce water consumption and utilize bottle filling stations. They created posters promoting sustainable practices and put them up around the school. Looking forward, Couton is excited to continue efforts into the spring.
“We are hoping to pursue more Green Schools Recognition Program activities to celebrate earth day!”
In addition to Green School Recognition activities, students and staff are embracing the programs and features available in their new school. For example, they have school-wide composting collection. This means organic materials (food scraps, paper towels, tissues, etc.) are collected from spaces like classrooms, offices, and restrooms in addition to the cafeteria.
“Our whole school composting has been very successful! Students as young as Kindergarteners are able to assess their waste and place it in the appropriate receptacles-they're learning from a young age how to reduce their impact!”
Couton has found that practicing composting throughout the school has generated more support for sustainability efforts and makes an impact on students and staff.
Robinson was also designed to minimize energy use with features like automated LED lights, high efficiency equipment, and even strategically placed windows for utilizing daylight.
“Having automatic lights and a building that maximizes natural light has been instrumental in reducing our energy consumption. Teachers are able to leave their main lights off frequently!”
It can be overwhelming to settle into a brand new building, but with Couton’s guidance, Robinson hasn’t wasted any time embracing the opportunities for sustainability engagement. Thank you to Krista Couton and all the students and staff at Robinson for being sustainable leaders!
Updated March 14, 2024
