WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Speas Global Elementary School became the first school in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools district to switch from Styrofoam lunch trays to compostable trays.

• It was an effort spearheaded by parents and school leaders
• The school partnered with the Piedmont Environmental Alliance to make the program happen
• The school composts about 200 pounds each day. The pilot program launched at the beginning of May

It was an effort spearheaded by parents and school leaders. The PTA Advocacy Chair said she hopes this is something the students stick with. 

"We're really helping to build a generation that this is what they do and they are going to continue to expect that this is the way it is. You compost your waste instead of sending that to the landfill so hopefully this can have a long-term environmental impact," Jessica McCrory said.

The school partnered with the Piedmont Environmental Alliance to make the program happen. The group's executive director said children can make a difference. 

"One of the best ways to make change across our community is to start with kids. Kids are just able to soak up so much information and really learn about things and bring their knowledge home to their parents, their families, their faith communities, and their soccer team," Jaime Maier said. 

McCrory said the school composts about 200 pounds each day. The pilot program launched at the beginning of May.