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going green without spending green. Christina Crespo, LEED AP Sustainability Coordinator Palm Beach County School District. #1 Flip the switch!. Did you know that… leaving one classroom’s lights on after hours costs an extra $450 per year?
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going green without spending green Christina Crespo, LEED AP Sustainability Coordinator Palm Beach County School District
#1 Flip the switch! Did you know that… leaving one classroom’s lights on after hours costs an extra $450 per year? leaving one screensaver on costs an extra $16 per year? leaving one 100-watt closet light or decorative light on 24 hours a day cost an extra $65 per year? Start a student energy patrol!
#2 Rethink your drink Why not sell water bottles as a school fundraiser?
#3 Stop idling Institute a “no-idle” policy for the parent pickup area Saves the parent gas and money and engine wear Reduces CO2 emissions Reduces human exposure to emissions
#4 jettison the junk mail • Think of how many catalogues and pieces of junk mail clog up your mailbox… • Now think of the resources it took to harvest the materials, make them, ship them, deliver them, and then recycle them! Ugh. • Let the companies know that you want electronic communication or stop the flow completely.
#5 Buy Greener Try to buy and advocate “greener” classroom supplies (e.g., recycled paper, recycled plastic rulers, soy crayons, rechargeable batteries, staple-free stapler) Energy Star for small electronics Keep toxics OUT of the classroom (avoid “smelly”) Snacks in reusable or recyclable containers, use washable napkins, local produce JUST BUY LESS STUFF!
#6 evaluate (and then reduce!) your waste • Do a waste audit as a class project -you’ll be surprised at the results! • Reducing paper & consumables is easy • Donate in lieu of disposal
#7 Recycle, recycle, recycle! Recycle what cannot be reused. Recycling paper, plastic, aluminum, e-waste, ink cartridges & cell phones reduces toxic greenhouse gases, conserves energy, & does not contribute to the landfill. Make sure the cafeteria recycles Try composting?
#8 eat and drink green • Invest in reusable plates, cups & serviceware and shopping bags • Fair trade, shade-grown, organic coffees and teas (and educate its consumers!) • For special events, try to focus on local, sustainably-grown and/or organic food • Look for items w/out much packaging and/or recyclable packaging
#9 look at curriculum connections Environmental lessons can be integrated into almost any subject – be creative! Go outside as much as possible!
#10 Spread the green word • Make Green your Theme! • Share the message on the morning announcements, in newsletters, on the school’s website, etc. • Educate students, other teachers, and parents on environmentally responsible behavior. The goal is that each of us use these behaviors at school and then take these behaviors home. • Develop and communicate a sustainability policy • Celebrate your successes!