Margaret Mead Elementary PTSA

Here are the 5 Principles from the Go Green Initiative and how we can make these work in our schools.  I highlighted the impact items we could achieve in GREEN.


GENERATE COMPOST This is nature's way of recycling. Through basic and worm composting programs, children learn about ecology, biology and waste reduction.

What can we do?  --  Begin to look into compost pick up for all plateau schools for yard waste and kitchen scraps (Cedar Grove Composting?)

RECYCLE everything that cannot be reused and purchase items that can be recycled. With fast shrinking landfill space and diminishing natural resources, recycling has never been more important. Recycling items such as paper, plastic, aluminum and ink cartridges reduces toxic greenhouse gas emissions and conserves energy. Manage E-waste by finding creative solutions to divert obsolete computer parts, cell phones and other such devices from the waste stream. Schools that recycle provide much-needed materials to manufacturers who produce recycled products.

What can we do?  --  Purchase bins for outside classroom for ALL recyclables:paper, plastic, aluminum

EDUCATE students, teachers and parents on environmentally-responsible behavior. When students, teachers and parents work together to make their schools environmentally friendly, they are more likely to take the same behaviors into their off campus lives. Our goal is to create environmentally-responsible school communities throughout the nation and across the globe.

What can we do? -- Incorporate these teachings into lesson plans, Science Fair table, Science Clubs, everyday classroom rountine (a new classroom job might be emptying lunch scraps into compost)

EVALUATE the environmental impact of every activity. Identify products and practices that could threaten the health of children and the world around them. Consider improving the campus environment with activities such as eliminating excessive energy consumption; evaluating the toxicity of pesticides used in classrooms and on playgrounds; improving outdoor air quality through increased carpooling efforts; and working to improve indoor air quality.

What can we do?  --

AIR QUALITY 
* Stopping parents from letting their cars idle while they wait in the drop off lane.
* Looking into the use of corn/potato utensils/biodegradable paper products for the lunchroom or at least all  events sponsored by our PTSA
* Walk to school Week becomes Walk to School Every day or if the weather is poor, organize a pre-set carpool with neighbors
* Carpool every day... Pick five neighbors who all drive and you'd only have to drive 1 day a week or maybe 2 depending on how many kids you have
* If you live on a bus route, have your child ride the bus

 

REDUCE WASTE 
* Waste-free lunches see wastefreelunches.org
* Get rid of paper cups kids use in the portables for the water dispensers and bring a re-usable water bottle you can refill from the dispenser

REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION
* turn off computers/electronic devices when not in use
* turn off lights when possible

NATIONALIZE the principles of responsible paper consumption. Consider purchasing post consumer recycled paper and office products. Use technology to communicate electronically as much as possible. Seek ways to provide Internet access to all school families.

What can we do?