Getting Your Local Schools Involved
I was reading this month’s NEA Today, which focuses on school projects that promote protecting the earth. One particular article, 10 Ways to Go Green, highlights just a few of the numerous ways schools and the community can go green. I thought that listing a couple of them here might prompt others to make changes that are simple and sustainable. And (as we know), not only is it important that we make adjustments in our personal lives, but get our local schools to buy in as well.
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Crayons - Most crayons are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource that takes years to biodegrade. Opt for soy-based crayons instead, like Prang.
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Be Cool with the the Cool School Challenge
How can you get your local school on board with the ideas above or other eco-friendly activities? Easy as 1, 2, 3.
1. Connect with one person within the school who can advocate for and with you. (I think I would go to science teachers first. Many of them are in a position to take kids on a nature walk, teach about local environment, plants, and animals, build up an outdoor classroom that includes a garden and composting station with which the upkeep becomes part of a class/grade routine.
2. Contact the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Contact one of the officers, get on the agenda, and voice your concerns, ideas for change, and prospective plans of actions. The Inconvenient Truth can be really convincing.
3. Volunteer to help with the three Rs in Green (Reduce, reuse, recycle) and reduce trash.
Good luck and have fun!
