Blacksburg Middle School is following in the footsteps of the local Freightliner plant by making its own environment statement.

Starting Nov. 16, Blacksburg Middle will work towards becoming a “Green Steps School.” A Green Steps School is an environmental education initiative in which schools take steps on a yearly basis to improve the environment.

From forming a ‘green team’ to recycling, Blacksburg Middle has made environment projects a major focus of student extracurricular activities. The school hopes the effort will result in students and faculty members being more aware of how their actions can have a positive impact on the environment.

“Our initial step toward this is recycling,” Blacksburg Middle computer lab manager Janet Ware said. “We are encouraging students, faculty and staff to recycle and reuse whenever possible.”

Blacksburg Middle became interested in the “Green Steps School” program following a presentation by Clemson Extension Agent Alana West. A representative from the local Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) plant spoke with students about the company’s successful effort to become a Zero-Wasteto Landfill facility.

Blacksburg Middle students are involved in a weekly school recycling program to recycle cardboard, newspapers and aluminum. The school has started a pop tab recycling program. The pop tabs from drink cans are being collected for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas in Greenville, Ware said. The charity provides for the physical and emotional well-being of children.

“This is a great way to teach kids about philanthropy, the importance of recycling and raise funds to help children and their families at the same time,” Ware said.