Thornwood Self Storage Center in New York, Westchester County's first eco-friendly storage facility, has partnered with the Children's Environmental Literacy Foundation (CELF), a non-profit educational organization that provides programs and services to support schools in their efforts to integrate sustainability education into K-12 curriculum and culture.
 
In an effort to raise awareness for good environmental practices, Thornwood will donate a portion of each month's rentals to CELF's Ecological Footprinting Program, which provides elementary and middle-school students with the opportunity to conduct an environmental audit on their schools, thereby learning about issues of sustainability and human impact on the planet. To show sustainable practices put into practice in the community, Thornwood will host on-site seminars in collaboration with CELF.
 
During the storage facility's conversion from a health club, 95 percent of its structure was reused, and construction debris was recycled and reclaimed in an effort to reduce the impact on landfills. Converting the building to a storage facility has reduced traffic congestion and auto emissions by more than 80 percent. The facility is also powered by 405 rooftop solar panels that are projected to provide over 50 percent of its ongoing energy needs.
 
Thornwood Self Storage Center features an on-site power backup, and an aerodynamically-designed, dual alternative fuel truck, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. It offers recyclable and biodegradable packing materials and uses only environmentally friendly cleaning products. Local vegetation has been planted around the facility to eliminate the need for an underground irrigation system.

CELF provides consulting services, training programs and educational programs to make sustainability education an integral part of the K-12 learning experience.

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