Garlough Environmental Magnet School (GEMS) partnered with Heritage Middle School and Dodge Nature Center to develop a demonstration garden and create learning programs about composting, packaging reduction, and toxic-free gardening and housekeeping. They offered community classes and hosted recycling displays at the GEMS open house. In addition, they created the LiveGreen Detectives Club, organized by the School Age Care staff. They also planned an Earth Day carnival andpresentations to community groups. Finally, they were able make an important connection with the Energy Manager for School District #197, who helped with the LiveGreen Detectives Club and other environmental district initiatives. 

Garlough Elementary was also funded in 2007-2008. They worked with the Dodge Nature Center and engaged 200 families through materials in English and Spanish to take at least three waste reduction action steps. Activities for families included zero waste lunches, a recycling corner, reusable shopping bags, and five Families R Fun nights involving 790 teachers, parents and community members. Some of the family night activities included making non-toxic cleaners, a clothing exchange, and conducting a “junk walk” to learn how to properly dispose of and recycle items. Additionally, Student Ambassadors gave tours of the school and discussed their waste reduction work with over 200 students, teachers, and families. The school district began supporting the purchase of compostable cafeteria items and using non-toxic cleaners.