This morning, Colorado First Gentleman Marlon Reis joined Longmont Mayor Brian Bagley in a tour of Eagle Crest Elementary School’s waste stream, in addition to a student-led presentation about waste reduction. Boulder Mayor Suzanne Jones and State Representative Meg Froelich were also in attendance.

The event served as a celebration of America Recycles Day, as well as the culmination of Colorado Recycles Week. This afternoon, Reis will join Governor Jared Polis in signing a proclamation highlighting the statewide benefits of waste reduction.

“I learn the most from kids,” Reis said as the presentation wrapped up. “Your enthusiasm spreads to grown-ups much more easily than it does from other grown-ups.”

Eagle Crest is one of 15 Longmont schools that participate in Eco-Cycle’s Green Star Schools Program. With 10 years of the program under its belt, Eagle Crest is a leading example of waste reduction in every area. Students boasted that since implementing the program, up to two-thirds of waste from their school is kept out of the landfills.

The City of Longmont contributes $25,000 to the program annually, with the hopes of increasing to support new schools in the future.

“This program is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” said Cyndra Dietz, Eco-Cycle’s School Recycling and Environmental Education Program Director. “But it’s also the thing I’m most proud of.”

See more photos of today’s festivities and follow along with Eagle Crest’s ongoing successes by reading their blog.

Happy recycling!