In support of growing environmental concerns, the federal government and many states are funding green schools.
Many of these green schools are experimenting with everything from solar and wind power sources, recycled building materials, and natural lighting to using green products and pesticides, implementing energy-efficient technology, and incorporating environmental issues into the curriculum.
While it would be ideal if all schools could be green schools, it is difficult to find the time and money to rebuild and convert existing schools today.
Even if your school is unable or unwilling to invest in green changes, you can still do your part and make a positive impact on your students, your school, and your community.
Just because you don’t have a green school doesn’t mean you can’t have a green classroom.
The following is a list of easy and immediate ways to make your classroom greener:
1. Go paperless
Whenever possible, have your students turn in assignments online or via email. This will reduce the use of paper, chemicals, and electricity for photocopied worksheets, while incorporating technology into your classroom.
** Note: If you choose to assign homework on paper, ask your students to use recycled paper. Upon completion, have your students recycle their paper assignments at the end of the quarter when all assignments have been graded and recorded in their gradebook and after parent-teacher conferences.
Teacher Tip 1: When students ask if they can throw away old assignments, simply answer, “Yes, you can recycle them.” It’s a good way to get your green message across while answering your question. Designate a recycle bin in your classroom and even include “recycle monitor” as a classroom assignment.
Teacher Tip 2: Make sure your students use both sides of each sheet of paper. Old assignments are perfect for scratch paper.
2. Find new uses for existing products.
As a child, his imagination ran wild and allowed him to turn a simple empty box into a spaceship or even a cave. Why not channel the imagination of his inner child and find new uses for existing products? (Okay, you’ll want to use your imagination for more practical uses than a spaceship or a cave.) Whether you’re using plastic grocery bags as trash bags or reusing old t-shirts or ill-fitting clothes like pillowcases, scarves, robes, etc. (called jersey reconstruction), the possibilities are endless!
Fun Classroom Example: Add empty plastic milk jugs or empty boxes as part of your students’ school supply lists. Cut the jars or boxes in half and let your students decorate them. They can serve as “drop boxes” for returned homework or to distribute special gifts or prizes. Your students will love sending and receiving mail!
3. Reduce electricity use.
While it may seem difficult to do considering we live in a technology-driven society, it’s not impossible! Keep an eye out for energy-saving products and be careful to leave appliances on when you’re not using them. Something as simple as turning off the lights when you leave a room or using natural lighting instead of lamps can make a big difference.
Fun idea for the classroom: weather permitting, have the class outside! You and your students will enjoy the fresh air and the change of scenery. On sunny days, let the light shine and turn off interior lights.
4. Incorporate environmental lessons into the curriculum.
Reinforce your actions with your words. Even if you’re not a science teacher, you can still make environmental issues apply to your lessons. Whether it’s writing to your local congressman about your environmental concerns or using recycled materials in art class, incorporating environmentally inspired lessons will spark students’ interest and creativity, as well as help them better understand the importance of their ecological efforts.
Teacher Tip: Have your students come up with their own ways to go green and implement their suggestions in the classroom! Assign captains to help monitor the progress of each student’s proposal. This will help your students achieve goals and develop leadership qualities.
These few easy steps are meant to be a starting point for you and your students. As you become more comfortable with these simple classroom changes, you’ll find yourself thinking of more creative ways to go green. Who knows, maybe her clothes could inspire a school-wide green initiative!
