Washougal, county team up to bring milk dispensers to Gause Elementary

Washougal — Gause Elementary School has installed a new milk dispenser to reduce food and packaging waste. The county received funds from the Washington Department of Ecology’s Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance program to work with several schools on a pilot program using milk dispensers and washable cups. The Gause Green Team, made up of students and led by custodian Ellen Lancaster, conducted a waste audit that will be repeated after the dispenser has been in place for a little longer. The audit captured a snapshot of the amount of waste, recycling and compost produced in one day, and will use that figure to compare with the newer figures to see the project’s impact. “It’s about giving them choices, including how much milk to take,” Superintendent Mary Templeton said in a release from the district. “It is also important for them to see us taking steps to care for the environment by reducing our use of packaging.”