Taiga Company

Imagine if schools were leaders in environmental sustainability, giving students the tools to be innovators, and giving them a healthy environment in which to learn and play. Green schools empower kids to make a difference, and teach them environmental and health values that will stay with them for life. 
 
Inspired by one of our readers requesting information on ways to bring eco awareness to schools, following are ideas for teachers to lead by example and provide learning opportunities for children to go green at school: 

Sustainability Concepts:
Educate students on the principals of living a sustainable lifestyle: local , organic, and why it's important to live green.
 
Recycling
There are several ways to recycle both at home with your children and in the classroom with your students. Conservation or reducing the amount of paper used is an important part of recycling. One important way to help conserve is to use both sides of paper when you are taking notes, writing papers and so forth. Another idea is to have a scrap paper box in which you can place a paper that has a clean side to write on. Then, instead of throwing away papers that cannot be used again, recycle!
 
Trash Free Lunches
Teach your students to pack a trash free lunch to reduce the amount of trash thrown away in the cafeteria. Bringing lunch in a lunch box or reusable bag instead of paper is a good start. Instead of a napkin, students can pack a washcloth to wipe their face and hands with. Fresh fruits and homemade foods such as sandwiches are excellent and healthier alternatives to the prepackaged foods and snacks. Waste Free Lunches explains more about how to prepare a trash free lunch.
 
Energy Efficiency
Encourage your students to turn off the lights whenever the leave a room to help save energy. Also encourage your students to turn off those electronics when they are not in use to prevent wasting energy.
 
Resources for eco action and eco awareness at school:

• Eco Label Fundraising:  Offers environmentally responsible fundraising directed at raising environmental awareness and helping schools and non-profits raise funds.
• Green Schools Initiative: is a project of social and environmental entrepreneurs working to leverage the schools sector to transform the school environment – and the markets that supply schools – to improve health and sustainability.
• Green School Buildings: is a resource rich site offering the benefits of green schools, explore state and federal initiatives supporting sustainability plans in schools, and ways to take eco action and get involved. 

 
Personal sustainability can touch every area of your life and usually encourages others to become involved.   What better way to raise the eco awareness than by engaging your children in the process.