Wal-Mart awards eco-friendly school

Bentonville, Ark. Wal-Mart Stores said Monday it has named Corvallis High School in Corvallis, Ore., as “America’s Most Eco-Friendly School” in the retailer’s “Earth Day Every Day School Challenge.”

Among its eco-initiatives, the school reports that it consumes 30% less energy than every other school built to the Oregon code, and it plans to install solar panels on the building's roof toward further reductions.

Corvallis High was chosen as the grand prize winner in an online vote, and will be awarded a $20,000 grant from Wal-Mart to further its environmental efforts.

"Corvallis High School is an excellent example of the impact young Americans can make in creating a greener, healthier planet," said Matt Kistler, senior VP sustainability, Wal-Mart.

The competing schools’ videos and essays were posted at earthdayeverydaychallenge.com, and from June 9 through June 19, Americans were asked to vote for the school they believed should be awarded the $20,000 grand prize.

Wal-Mart awarded 20 finalists with a $500 Wal-Mart gift card, which can be used to purchase items that will help enhance the school's Earth-friendly activities.

For more information about the Wal-Mart "Earth Day Every Day School Challenge -- and to watch Corvallis High School's winning video, along with the other finalists' videos – click here.