Save the Planet - At School

A big part of the longterm solution is teaching our kids! 

Make global warming part of the curriculum and empower kids by teaching them how they can take action.

A great choice for the environment is to look for used items:  used bikes and gently worn clothing are a great way to start the school year right. 

Cut down on consumption by buying fewer clothes of better quality that last a long time.

Start a 'No Idling' rule at your school.  Turn off your engines while waiting to pick up kids. 

Keep kids and the planet healthy by walking to school.  Start a walking school bus, a group of children walking to school with one or more adults.

Eliminate waste when you pack lunch.  Use only reusable containers and avoid plastic bags and brown bags.

Start a recycling program at your school.

Use recycled paper.

Print only when necessary and print on both sides of the page. 

For high school students, teachers can find educational materials at: http://www.participate.net/educators/ 

Reduce waste in your child's lunches.  Use things you can resuse, like cloth napkins, and bid juice boxes, with all their excessive packaging - goodbye.

Start a composting program in your school's cafeteria. 

How is your school addressing energy efficiency? Find out and work with the school and other parents to improve your school's rating.

Ask that your school turn the thermostat up 2 degrees in warmer months and down 2 degrees in winter.  Encourage kids to dress right for each season. 

Where does your school's food come from?  Ask that your school buy more food grown locally.

Ask teachers to set a good example and turn off lights and other electronics when not in use. 

Start a carpooling program at your school. 

With college-age kids, cut down on consumption!  Contact roommates before school starts and coordinate to avoid buying more than one of everything shared.