Creating a More Sustainable, Less Polluted Future by Teaching the Next Generation

Since 1987, hundreds of thousands of students in Boulder and Broomfield Counties have grown up with an exceptional degree of environmental literacy thanks to our first-in-the-nation, science-based preschool through 12th grade Zero Waste schools programs. Through in-person and remote presentations and field trips, as well as hands-on activities, Eco-Cycle educators teach students in Boulder Valley, St. Vrain Valley, and Adams 12 Five Star schools about resource conservation, pollution, waste reduction, recycling, composting, energy and water conservation, air quality, and more.

Our award-winning programs include the School Recycling and Environmental Education Program, which supports recycling collection and provides extensive environmental education to 108 public schools, as well as our Zero Waste program Green Star Schools, where students learn to reduce, recycle, and compost their waste in every part of their day. Sixty-six Green Star Schools recycle and compost an average of two-thirds of all their waste, whether it’s in the cafeteria, hallway, classroom, or at special school events.

Students who participate in our programs grow up with Zero Waste practices as a norm, and continue to practice and advocate for Zero Waste at home, throughout their school career and into adulthood.