The green movement in Concord, CA, is taking root in the younger generation.

Students at Monte Garden Elementary are taking part in a milk carton recycling program – the first of its kind in the country – and the school's efforts earned it a spotlight as the worldwide nonprofit Go Green Initiative's School of the Week. The students' enthusiasm for green living likely stems from the city's larger eco-friendly plan, which includes a litter-reduction program that earned Concord a Distinguished Project Award in 2007 from the Project Management Institute, a not-for-profit membership association for the project management profession.

The city also began running its all-electric utility vehicle. Overseen by a citywide Green Ribbon Task Force, initiatives like these have helped Concord earn multiple Bay Area Green Business Awards.