Green your School
1. Change Your Lightbulbs and Go One Step Farther
2. Initiate a Recycling Program
- Paper, glass, cardboard, plastic, aluminum/tin, compost, printer cartridges - refill/recycle
3. Reduce Paper Consumption
- Reduce handouts to parents - encourage email or district website postings
4. Use Green Cleaning Products
- No: APEOs, EDTAs, phosphates or potassium salts, butyl, toxins, animal testing, aquatic toxicity
- Yes: no or low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), low eye and skin irritation, biodegradable packaging, non-combustible.
- Look for items with 3rd party certification (Green Seal, Ecologo)
5. Incorporate Green Cleaning Best Practices
- Damp dusting, HEPA vacuum cleaner filters, Microfiber dust cloths and mops
- 3-step walk off mats (1lb of dirt = $500)
- Establish list of prohibited chemicals/provide classroom teachers with one approved all-purpose cleaner, discourage air freshener use
6. Responsible Building Maintenance and Renovation
- Low or no-VOC products, PVC-free materials, no added formaldehyde
- Floor refinishing: skip a year or two
- Integrated pest management
7. Institute a No-Idling Policy for Buses and Parents
8. Establish & Support Farm to School Programs
- Work directly with local farmers/food producers to bring their food to the cafeteria
- Request organic products, demand hormone-free milk/meat from food vendors
9. No Waste Lunches
- Consider a recess followed by lunch schedule
- Provide metal utensils, biodegradable cups/napkins; set up a compost system
- Inform parents on how home lunches can be zero waste
10. Educate your Children
- Build these principals into the culture of your school family
Created by Montana State University Extension Housing and Environmental Health Program
Contact Myla Kelly at 406-994-6948 or myla.kelly@montana.edu