Sustainable Schools
An overview of our work with local schools, SOSI, and general classroom greening ideas.
We think schools are the perfect place to implement sustainable practices! Students are our future leaders and they are eager to learn about how they can have a positive impact on the planet. We work closely with Bend - La Pine Schools to weave sustainability into daily life at the schools.
Sustainable Oregon Schools Initiative
The Sustainable Oregon Schools Initiative is a movement to establish a permanent, state-wide, comprehensive K-12 school sustainability program that supports schools in more sustainable operations and prepares our children to deal effectively throughout their lives with the issues of sustainability. Topics on the SOSI website include Education, Facilities & Operations, Systems & Services, Community & Culture and General Resources on Sustainability.
Green Your Classroom
Here are some easy steps you can take to make your classroom and school more environmentally friendly.
- Make and request double sided copies.
- Keep a tray of one sided paper for student use. These can also be cut in half for smaller assignments.
- Use reusable backing for bulletin boards such as fabric, rather than butcher paper.
- Use email messages or routing slips rather than printing copies of a note or memo.
- Recycle printer and copier cartridges.
- Start a worm composting bin to compost left over lunch fruits and veggies.
- Send home permission slips, newsletters and notes home with the oldest sibling of a family rather than one for each student, or do it electronically.
- Choose products with recycled content.
- Schedule an EarthSmart classroom presentation!
- Encourage students to bring their lunches in reusable containers.
- Challenge your students to a Waste Free Lunch Day!
- Be mindful of energy consumption by turning off the lights, computer and other appliances when not using.
- Establish a recycling system that is easy to use and works well for you and your students.
- Use reusable rags and towels instead of paper towels for cleaning up after activities.
- Enlist the students' help! Create weekly jobs in charge of monitoring:
- Water - No one is leaving it running.
- Power - Turning off lights after the class leaves
- Energy - Closing outside doors behind the class
- Paper - Prepping one sided paper for short assignments by cutting in half.
- Recycling - The right things are in the bin and people are using it.
- Challenge your students to come up with new ideas and put them into action!
Contact Molly Grove, Sustainability Coordinator for the Bend La Pine School District for more information.
