King County Green Schools Program recently recognized six schools for their sustainable achievements, including Lakeridge Elementary School in Mercer Island.

Lakeridge was among three schools the county recognized as Sustaining Green Schools — schools that maintain conservation practices established during the first three levels of the program and complete an additional conservation practice or educational strategy from the program’s best practices guides.

The Mercer Island school achieved a 70 percent recycling rate. The school held a clothing donation drive. Students created gifts made from discarded and recyclable materials. The Lakeridge PTA hosted zero waste school-wide events at which only compostable and recyclable materials were used. All exterior lights in the school were also switched to energy-efficient LED lights.

“For students, teachers, custodians, administrators and other school community members such as parents who have joined together to achieve the first three levels of the program, the Sustaining Green School level offers an incentive to sustain and build on their good work,” said Dale Alekel, Green Schools Program manager.

The two other schools that were recognized as Sustaining Green Schools were Endeavour Elementary School in the Issaquah School District and the Overlake School, a private school in Redmond.

Two schools were also recognized as Level One King County Green Schools for their waste reduction and recycling practices, including Juanita High School in Kirkland and Meadow Crest Early Learning Center in Renton.

In addition, Maywood Middle School in Issaquah was recognized as a Level Two King County Green School for its energy conservation education and actions and for sustaining and building on its waste reduction and recycling practices.

The King County Green Schools Program has served a growing number of schools each year — from 100 schools in 2009-10 to 230 schools in 2015-16.

“King County Green Schools Program directly supports our goal of increasing the County’s recycling rate from 54 percent to 70 percent by 2020,” said Pat McLaughlin, director of the King County Solid Waste division.

The Green Schools Program involves students and school employees in learning about and practicing resource conservation. Participating schools and school districts have reported saving money through reduced garbage volumes and decreased energy and water use.