Two Renton schools were recognized by King County for their efforts in reducing waste, increasing recycling, conserving resources, and cutting costs with help from the King County Green Schools Program.

The program provides hands-on help and the tools that schools need, such as recycling containers, signs, and guidance for school teams to make improvements.

Of the eight schools in King county that were recognized, The H.O.M.E. Program/Renton Academy and Honey Dew Elementary School were chosen for their efforts.

“The eight schools we’re recognizing this month expanded their sustainable practices by encouraging students and employees to reduce paper use, reduce food waste, recycle, or conserve energy and water, all of which reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change,” said Dale Alekel, Green Schools Program manager, in a press release.

Renton Academy maintains waste reduction and recycling practices and the school’s Green Team established a goal of decreasing energy consumption by five percent. The team posted conservation signs on light switches, computers and other items to remind staff and students to turn them off when not using them, a release stated.

Honey Dew increased its recycling rate from 25 to 45 percent, the release stated. And a Green Team was established of third to fifth grade students. The team hosted two events including a recycling awareness day and a school clean up day.