A wide range of positive environmental steps, including energy conservation, recycling and education earned Parkway School District an Environmental Excellence Award in 2000. Parkway also has developed their environmental initiatives to serve as a model for other area schools. Their approach to waste hauling contracts has been adopted by other schools to lower rates and improve service. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis model is available for other schools to analyze how to maximize economic benefits from recycling Parkway implemented a comprehensive district wide recycling program in 1990. Also, a yard waste recovery program generates over 500 cubic yards of mulch annually that is used on school grounds.
Students also learn about environmental topics in the classroom.
Through the St. Louis County Resourceful Schools Project, Parkway schools apply information and technical support to build adults' and students' recycling knowledge and practice throughout the district.