Five Simple Ways to Green Your School

1. Grow Native Seeds. In the fall, collect seeds from the trees surrounding your schoolyard. Then have each student plant and grow his own seeds in the classroom. Reuse egg cartons to plant your seeds! Your school could also apply for an upcoming grant that supports school gardens and plantings (UPDATE: 2013-2014 school year fall grants), and Maryland schools can participate in the Marylanders Plant Trees program.

2. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Your Paper. The average school wastes 38 tons of paper per year. Check out Abitibi the paper retriever program and get paid to recycle your paper!

3. Create a Craft Box. Instead of throwing out the odds and ends usually bound for the trash can, collect these items in a craft box to reuse later. Used milk cartons can be transformed into bird feeders or birdhouses. Used soda bottles can be used to create Biology Bottles to help your students study decomposition or the connection between land and water. With a little imagination, you can turn your classroom trash into an educational treasure!

4. Detox Your Classroom Cleaners. Instead of using store-bought cleaners, create your own. Students can mix up their own cleaner using everyday non-toxic household ingredients. Find eco-friendly recipes HERE.

5. Cut Your Carbon Footprint. Conserve energy at school by appointing a student each day as the Power Patroller. Have the Power Patroller monitor your classroom’s energy use each day. They can ensure lights, computers, and other electronics are turned off each time the class leaves the room. Then have students learn about their carbon footprint by using the EPA’s Global Climate Change Kids Calculator.