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Bergenfield Schools Go Green, Get Green

BERGENFIELD, N.J. — The Bergen County Utilities Association gave Bergenfield's school district a $1,000 grant to go green.

From left, Bergenfield Assistant Principal Robert Ragasa, BCUA Commissioner George P. Zilocchi, senior Dominique De Rosa, BCUA Commissioner Richard D. Schooler,Green Tech Enviromental Teacher Alyssa Bania, and BCUA Chairman Ronald Phillips.

From left, Bergenfield Assistant Principal Robert Ragasa, BCUA Commissioner George P. Zilocchi, senior Dominique De Rosa, BCUA Commissioner Richard D. Schooler,Green Tech Enviromental Teacher Alyssa Bania, and BCUA Chairman Ronald Phillips.

Photo Credit: Christine Lombardo, Bergenfield School District

The BCUA introduced the Environmental Awareness Challenge Grant Program in 2007 as a way to reinvigorate recycling and environmental awareness in area schools.

Since then, 492 Bergen County schools have received nearly $467,500 in grants.

“We’re really focused on going green here at Bergenfield High School,” Principal James Fasano said. "We have a rain garden, a sanctuary and we use some of the rain water to conserve and water our plants."

The district bought blue, yellow and gray receptacles to sort trash. The school’s "green team" also has been sharing reminders to help 1,200 students in the high school stay on track.

District officials are looking to buy a can and bottle crusher in time for Christmas -- and may set up challenges among grade levels to see how well they reduce waste.

“Students like to be a part of the activity and see the way it works and folds," Fasano said. "It helps us achieve our main goal of saving the environment."

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