Going Beyond the 3R's at Your School
Going Beyond the 3R's at Your School
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Keys to Solid Success
Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling are just one aspect of an environmentally conscious school. Minimizing your school’s impact on the environment also includes adopting an efficient energy plan, implementing a "Buying Recycled" procurement plan, establishing an organic and environmentally preferable lawn care strategy, and reducing indoor air pollution.
Schools that make environmentally healthy practices a priority can also save money through reduced consumption of goods and energy, increased efficiency of operations and resource use, and teaching the next generation the value of environmental stewardship. Remember to "Think Big, but Start Small"!
Buying Recycled - Sustainable and Recycled Content Purchasing
In order to close the recycling loop, we must purchase post-consumer recycled products. Without strong demand for such products, the loop is broken and the system breaks down. While you may be recycling at school, if you are not purchasing recycled content products you cannot guarantee that there will be a market for those goods you have recycled.
Buying Recycled Products (CT DEEP)
Green Cleaning
Standard cleaning products contain harsh solvents and surfactants that can present a hazard to exposed populations and can be toxic to aquatic species. Using environmentally preferable cleaning products will improve the indoor air quality for students and teachers, reducing their risk of short and long term health effects, such as asthma.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (CT DAS)
Healthy Environments in Connecticut Schools (CT Dept. of Public Health)
Energy Efficiency
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$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Schools spend more money on energy than on textbooks. Typical energy costs are second only to salaries.
Turn off lights and electronic equipment overnight.
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Connecticut public schools spend over $160 million dollars annually on energy. By increasing your school’s energy efficiency you will not only be saving money, you will also be decreasing the detrimental effects that result from current energy production methods.
Energy Star for K-12 School Districts (Energy Star)
Eco-Friendly Lawn Care for All School Green Spaces
As of July 1, 2010, pesticides can no longer be used on the grounds of day cares, elementary and middle schools in Connecticut. Schools will need to adopt organic lawn care techniques including integrated pest management, organic fertilizers, and proper aeration.
CT Law Banning Pesticide Use on School Grounds (CT General Assembly)
Locally Grown Food Program for School Lunches
Organic and/or locally grown food is now being incorporated into public school lunches to teach children the value of a healthy well balanced meal. Local farms have the luxury of planting crops designed for flavor and not for shelf-life.
Buy CT Grown (City Seed)
Build Green Schools
Designing and building environmentally preferable schools benefits both the inhabitants and the environment. Green buildings use less energy, less water, and more sustainable materials, reducing their overall impact.
Center for Green Schools (USGBC)
Green Curriculums
Recipe for Sustainable Science - Based on the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, this curriculum is designed to simulate actual business methodology.
Additional Resources
CT Green LEAF Schools Program (ECSU)
Content Last Updated February 2020