Students from our Pre-Employment program (PEP) took a field trip to the Springfield Materials Recycling Facility.

The group took a guided tour around the facility which included the bottle, can and plastic recycling section, and the paper and cardboard recycling section.

Students and teachers had the opportunity to watch conveyor belts sort plastics, aluminum, glass, etc. and bundle them into 800 pound bales. 

Photo: Here a truck unloads materials to be recycled.

FCTS has a number of Green Initiatives.

Awareness of the importance of recycling exists throughout the school building with student involvement in cardboard and plastic lunch materials recycling.

Students in the PEP program are involved in a successful paper and cardboard recycling program.

The cafeteria now has colorful recycling bins for plastic milk containers. What was once tossed in the trash is now part of our school-wide recycling program.

Photo: Anna stands next to bales of recycled materials.

FCTS Apprentice Restaurant joins in the Green cause

Styrofoam containers, once the exclusive product for take-out items at the Apprentice Restaurant have been reduced to nearly nothing. Now, special paper-based containers safely hold soups and meals to-go.

The cost of the environmentally friendly containers is higher than that of styrofoam equivalents, but FCTS staff and administrators felt that the future of our environment was worth the extra expense.

Photo: Melissa and Alicia, two students in the PEP program, enjoy the informative visit to the recycling center.

FCTS Construction also goes Green

FCTS construction trade shops are working with Habitat for Humanity to build a house in Turners Falls.

The construction team is using environmentally friendly materials and procedures to ensure the energy efficiency of the house. Furthermore, where possible, construction materials are made with renewable products.

Photo: Students who have been actively involved in school wide recycling got to see the end results of their efforts.

Thank you Springfield Materials Recycling Facility for your hospitality!

Teachers and students agreed that this was a fabulous trip as it broadened their recycling knowledge. Field trips such as this one will help motivate FCTS students and staff in our "green" efforts.

FCTS is committed to building environmental awareness of students and staff.