Green Schools, Green Classrooms

"Going green" is the catch-word in schools nowadays. We'd like to hear what that means in your school. Tell us about your initiatives, programs, and classroom activities that you and your students are undertaking to study the principles of environmental sustainability/energy efficiency or efforts to implement environmentally sound and healthy practices in your school.

Please complete this survey with specific examples. We plan to use your ideas on our Web site and in other AFT publications to help educators and school staff "go green".

1. What makes your school a "green school"?

2. How do you or your colleagues teach about the environment, environmental sustainability and/or energy efficiency, during lessons on language arts, science math, and/or social studies?

3. What projects, if any, have you assigned to help students practice environmental sustainability in the classroom, school, home or community? For example: recycling materials in the classroom and school, energy audits of the school, school rain gardens, using alternative transportation to and from school.

4. What tips have other teachers and support staff given you or your students on how to reduce waste in your classroom or school?

5. How has your school involved parents in your efforts to promote green issues like healthy schools, recycling and reuse in your school or community?