Tips for going green at school

May 8, 2009 in

Teaching kids to be environmentally-conscious at school can do more than help save the planet, it can save you money in the long run.

There are many easy ways children can go green at school. To start with, sending your child to school on that big yellow school bus has quite a green effect. Not only does it lower a family’s use of gas, but busing also reduces traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. A single school bus can take as many as 36 cars off the road. Having your child take the bus to school instead of driving is one of many tips offered by Terra Wellington, author of the upcoming book “The Mom’s Guide to Growing Your Family Green: Saving the Earth Begins at Home.”

Some other economically-sound tips on how to make a school greener include:

  • Use both sides of the paper: Ask your teacher if you can print reports and other homework assignments “double-sided” to save paper.

  • Pack a litterless lunch: Avoid disposable containers such as brown bags and plastic baggies when packing lunches. Instead, use containers that can be washed and reused.

  • Become a light monitor: Ask your teacher to use the classroom’s natural light whenever possible. When the classroom is empty, make sure lights are turned off and computers are in standby mode. A standby setting can reduce power over 90 percent, helping to conserve energy.

  • Recycle: Ask your teacher or principal about setting up a recycling bin for paper, plastic bottles and cans. If your school already has a program, encourage others to participate.

  • Bring nature indoors: Ask the teacher if the class can have a “class plant” that students can take turns watering.

By implementing green practices like those listed above, students have a chance to earn their school the designation of “America’s Greenest School” through a search conducted by Wellington and IC Bus, the nation’s largest school bus manufacturer. The student who submits the winning essay will receive a $5,000 scholarship, while the winning school gets a plug-in hybrid bus from IC Bus valued at $200,000.

“This program can help students, teachers and parents learn that they have the power to make greener choices that will positively affect the environment,” said Wellington. “Making America’s schools greener is a winning lesson plan for everyone.”

Once finalists are announced, the public will be able to vote online for their pick to win the title of “America’s Greenest School.” The hybrid school bus donated by IC Bus is up to 65 percent more fuel efficient than standard school buses and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40 percent. For more information about how to make your school green or to enter the essay contest, visit www.AmericasGreenestSchool.com.