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Is Your Child’s School Helping or Hindering the Planet?
September 24th, 2009
Photo by Michael Alberstat
Whether your child’s school already has a green program or doesn’t, here’s how you can get involved.
If your school is not currently active in green initiatives:
• Every school needs at least one champion to get things moving. Contact the principal and discuss what types of programs might be a good fit for the school.
• Check out the websites of non-profit organizations such as SEEDS Green Schools, Evergreen’s Learning Grounds, Earth Day Canada, World Wildlife Fund and The P.I.N.E. Project for ideas and start-up support.
• Sometimes images speak louder than words, especially if you want to create an outdoor classroom or learning gardens, so download images (there are many available from Evergreen’s website) and create a PowerPoint presentation for parents and teachers.
If your school is currently active in green initiatives:
• Attend a school council meeting to find out what’s going on, and how your own talents might fit in.
• Some schools have some fairly basic activities in place (such as a recycling program)—carefully inquire of those involved how you can help take these to the next level, or work on creating additional related initiatives.
• Walk the talk in small ways with your own child—use reusable lunch containers, avoid idling when you’re picking him up from school (or better yet, meet him on foot), and buy green art and other supplies (for instance, markers with low odour that won’t pollute the art room with volatile compounds).
Copyright © 2012 St. Joseph Media. All Rights Reserved.