2 PV Schools Recognized in Trash Free Lunch Challenge

Two elementary schools on the Palos Verdes peninsula were recently recognized for their efforts to reduce lunchtime waste in the Grades of Green Trash Free Lunch Challenge.

Both Silver Spur Elementary and Lunada Bay Elementary were recognized for their work with Silver Spur receiving an environmental education grant and Lunada Bay being named one of the top three finalists in the Trash Free Lunch Challenge. 

According to the nonprofit Grades of Green, the Trash Free Lunch Challenge promotes greener environmental practices by encouraging students to pack trash free lunches and sort any waste into separate recycle, compost and landfill bins. Last year's challenge helped keep 10,000 bags of trash out of landfills and saved schools thousands of dollars, the organization said.

Lunada Bay Elementary was recognized as a finalist in the challenge along with Washington Elementary in Redondo Beach and Riviera Elementary in Torrance. The final winner of the challenge will be announced in April with the winning school hosting a celebration on Earth Day on April 22.

While Silver Spur Elementary was not named a finalist, it did receive the "Operation Green Nation Outreach Award" for presenting at a school board meeting and gaining local media coverage for its efforts. The school's award came with a $450 environmental education grant from Chevron.

"Your passion and creativity throughout this challenge have far exceeded our expectations," Grades of Green wrote in an email to the schools. "We are so impressed with all that you have accomplished."