Post on 09-Feb-2016
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Paul WojoskiPaul WojoskiSC DHEC – Bureau of Air QualitySC DHEC – Bureau of Air Quality
Take Action Today WorkshopTake Action Today WorkshopJune 24, 2009June 24, 2009
Starting a Green TeamGreen TeamAt School
Why focus on schools?
• “One in five people who live in this country—55 million children, teachers, administrators, nurses and janitors—spend their days in K–12 schools.” 1
• 85% of U.S. adults have completed high school.2
• What are we teaching future generations?
• What do we want to teach them?
1. The Little Green Schoolhouse: Thinking Big About Ecological Sustainability, Children’s Environmental Health, and K-12 Education in the USA. ( www.greenschools.net )
2. U.S. Census Bureau, 2005 ( www.census.gov )
What is a Green Team?
• A group or committee of interested participants that work toward more sustainable operating practice.
How do we start a Green Team at our school?
Step 1: Create “Buy-In”
• Encourage School Administrators to make “going green” a priority
• Meet with principals, administrators, PTSO, district representatives
• Create a policy statement
The Timing is Right
• Climate Change• Budget Issues• State Legislation• Federal Stimulus Money
48-52-620SCHOOL DISTRICTS MUST PREPARE ENERGY CONSERVATION PLANS IN ORDER TO MEET AN ENERGY CONSUMPTION REDUCTION GOAL OF 1 PERCENT PER YEAR TO ACHIEVE 20 PERCENT BY 2020, USING 2000 AS A BASELINE YEAR.
Step 2: Advertise your Team
• Set First Meeting – Have the principal/administrator make an announcement.
• Let everyone know how they can get involved
• Kick-off Party
Step 3: First Meeting• Form your team• Include participants
for many areas:– Parents, custodial
staff, students, administrators, teachers…
• Have Fun: “Brand” your team
Step 4: First Meeting • Assess and Baseline: What is your
school already doing?• Brainstorm: Where are there
opportunities to improve at your school?– Building Modifications– Behavioral Changes– Policy Changes
• Make a list
So many ideas!• Collect recyclables at school, etc.• Green your cleaning• Plant edible gardens, native plants, xeroscape• B2 – Anti-idling policies• Compost lunch scraps• Reduce waste streams• Light and computer policies to save energy• Double-sided printing; paper reuse• Green Tips in school newsletters• Water conservation reminders in restrooms
Get Students Involved!• Integrate projects into
curriculum:– Art projects with recycled
materials– Science/Math projects on
energy consumption– Social Studies projects on
environmental issues– Field Trips
Step 5: Set Some Easy Goals
• High likelihood of success
• Momentum will help the new team succeed
Step 6: Celebrate Success!• Advertise your success
– Websites, newsletters, PTSO meetings, bulletin boards, press releases
• Reward best/most creative ideas• Join Green Steps Schools!
Green Team Resources for Schools• Green Steps
– www.greenstepschools.com • EPA’s ENERGY STAR
– www.energystar.gov – Become a partner!• SC Energy Office
– www.energy.sc.gov• Green Schools Initiative
– www.greenschools.net
Green Teams at Schools
Questions?
Comments?
Paul WojoskiSC DHEC – Air Qualitywojoskpa@dhec.sc.gov
803-898-4087Rosewood Community Garden “Green Team” at work!