The ABCs of Creating a Greener School
By Samantha Ferguson
September 02, 2019
Small Business & Entrepreneurship
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There are a lot of things around your school and the classroom that teachers, parents and students can do to make it greener and more environmentally-friendly. Things that will make students feel good, and teach them to be heroes of the environment. The best part? They’re quick and easy to do.
First, let’s talk about water fountains. They are a staple in schools around the country. By bringing re-useable water bottles to school and filling up at the fountain instead of using plastic ones, we can all save on waste. Did you know that plastic water bottles take 70-million years to begin decomposing, and reusable water bottles take just seconds to wash?
Now let’s talk about lunch. Packaging from snacks, juice boxes and even brown bags all end up in our landfills. That’s not easy for the environment to digest. So let’s encourage students and parents to pack lunches in reusable bags and make sure all food is stowed away in reusable containers. This doesn’t just help the environment, but it also helps parents save on disposable, zipped plastic bags and pre-packed snacks.
If you are looking for a simple and bright idea for the classroom, then we’re here to show you the light. Just switch out old, energy-draining bulbs for LED ones. Not only are they brighter and use less energy, but LED bulbs will help schools save money and students will see what they are working on in class far better.
Ready for a break? Let’s head outside for recess. This tip requires a green thumb and a can-do attitude. Planting a community garden at school is one of the best ways to be greener and it builds morale. Students will gain a sense of accomplishment and see their hard work bloom each and every day. They will be able to grow healthy snacks like carrots, peppers and cucumbers. Plus, they can use leftover food waste from their lunches to compost.
First, let’s talk about water fountains. They are a staple in schools around the country. By bringing re-useable water bottles to school and filling up at the fountain instead of using plastic ones, we can all save on waste. Did you know that plastic water bottles take 70-million years to begin decomposing, and reusable water bottles take just seconds to wash?
Now let’s talk about lunch. Packaging from snacks, juice boxes and even brown bags all end up in our landfills. That’s not easy for the environment to digest. So let’s encourage students and parents to pack lunches in reusable bags and make sure all food is stowed away in reusable containers. This doesn’t just help the environment, but it also helps parents save on disposable, zipped plastic bags and pre-packed snacks.
If you are looking for a simple and bright idea for the classroom, then we’re here to show you the light. Just switch out old, energy-draining bulbs for LED ones. Not only are they brighter and use less energy, but LED bulbs will help schools save money and students will see what they are working on in class far better.
Ready for a break? Let’s head outside for recess. This tip requires a green thumb and a can-do attitude. Planting a community garden at school is one of the best ways to be greener and it builds morale. Students will gain a sense of accomplishment and see their hard work bloom each and every day. They will be able to grow healthy snacks like carrots, peppers and cucumbers. Plus, they can use leftover food waste from their lunches to compost.