At the Fayette Academy, teacher Donna Burrus and the students of the Ecology club are aiming to reduce energy consumption at the school by 40%. After a student presentation at a school board meeting, the school signed a 100% green power policy. Eventually, the school would like to purchase solar panels to power the school, but in the meantime they have replaced all of the gym lights with energy-efficient alternatives, which will save the school $35,000 over the next six years.
The activities of teacher Donna Burrus and her students are endless. Just this year they have expanded recycling, started vermicomposting in the cafeteria, received a grant for a biodiesel conversion unit, and gave out CFL light bulbs to the community. Additionally, Donna met with her state representative to encourage state-level funding for green energy projects. This spring the Ecology club will continue to expand their recycling and composting activities and will advertise about their club on bulletin boards, at car races, and through community service and action.
