Joe Donnelly: “today, I wish to applaud the Saint Thomas Aquinas School of Indianapolis and Carmel High School of Carmel, IN for being…”

“today, I wish to applaud the Saint Thomas Aquinas School of Indianapolis and Carmel High School of Carmel, IN for being recognized as 2014 Green Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. Established in 2011, the Green Ribbon School program is the Federal Government's first comprehensive green school initiative. Since its inception, the program has offered the opportunity for schools in every State to gain recognition for educational and environmental accomplishments. Recognition as a Green Ribbon institution is based on a school's ability to reduce environmental impact, improve the health of students and staff, and provide environmental education. Both of these exceptional Hoosier schools have made great strides in these areas. In 2003, Saint Thomas Aquinas School constructed a National Wildlife Federation-certified schoolyard where students can learn about the environmental sciences as they grow vegetables for a local food pantry. In addition, Saint Thomas Aquinas School has also greatly reduced its carbon footprint through the installation of new energy efficient windows and low-flush toilets, the implementation of an extensive recycling program, and the encouragement of walking and biking to school. As a result, Saint Thomas Aquinas has reduced its solid waste by nearly 30 percent and carbon-emissions by nearly 19 percent. Similarly, Carmel High School has made its campus and the surrounding community environmentally friendly.…”