Ways to Save the Earth At School

Whether you're in public school or private, highschool or beyond, here are some ideas for ways to help.  

Turn off your monitors

If your computers are on a network or need to be left on for remote access and can't be shut down at night, turn off the monitors.

Add air-cleaning plants

Plants not only brighten up a room, they help keep the air clean! Shoot for at least one 4-5 ft plant per 100 square feet.

Turn your trash into crafts!

Okay, so that doesn't really rhyme- but use popsicle sticks, newspapers, used office paper, etc. for craft projects.

Never flush �flushable� applicators, wipes

While the manufacturers may say it's flushable, what they mean is that it won't clog your toilet - but every year, tens of thousands of applicators wind up on the shores of our beaches.

Use a water filter and refillable water bottle

Americans spend millions of dollars a year on bottled water, which adds to the amount of plastic containers thrown away every day. By purchasing a refillable water bottle and using fiiltered water, you can greatly reduce waste and save yourself a bundle!

Never litter, even when peers do it

Teach your children never to litter, even if they see their friends littering. Encourage them to be proud of keeping the environment clean!

Choose re-usable containers for lunch

Use a lunch box or insulated cooler for lunch in lieu of a paper or plastic sack.

Reduce lunchroom waste

Bring home sandwich baggies and other plastic bags to be washed out and re-used

Cut your vampire power!

Vampire Power: Not Dracula, but the home electronics we leave on standby: TV, printer, DC re-chargers and converters� they cost you and the country almost $100 million worth of WASTED electricity each year.

Pick up trash

If you see trash on the street or neighborhood, pick it up! Even if it's not your garbage, its still your planet!

Reduce water waste

Turn off the water when brushing your teeth and when �making bubbles� while washing your hands.

Donate unused clothing and other items

Rather than throwing away unused clothing and items that are in good shape, consider donating them to your local church, Goodwill, or other charity. Many charities will even work with you to schedule a pick-up time.

Carpool

When heading to work or school, share a car with a friend! You'll both save money on gas, you'll reduce the amount of pollutants you're producing - and maybe even squeeze in a quick nap on days you're not driving!

Ride your bike or walk

When you don't have far to go, try riding your bike or walking instead of getting a ride in a car. You'll help save energy, lessen the amount of air pollution, and you'll keep healthy and fit, too!

Recycle everything you can!

You benefit either directly or when local taxes are kept lower by reduced disposal costs.

Check the numbers on the bottom of plastic products

On the bottom of every plastic product, (including body lotion bottles, soda and water bottles, contact lenses, etc.), there is a number printed that corresponds to the kind of plastic used. If there is no number, the item isn't recyclable.

Use recycled notebook paper

Set an eco-friendly trend with recycled notebook paper!

Use phosphate-free soap for car washes

Whether you're just washing your car at home, or doing a full-scale group fundraising car wash event, be sure to use phosphate free soap. At your fundraising car washes, be sure to advertise that your car wash is eco-friendly to spread awareness.

Bring home recyclable items from school

If your school doesn't have a recycling program, bring home items that you can recycle at home, such as can, plastic bottles, cardboard, etc.

Volunteer instead of watching TV

Instead of watching TV, spend an hour or two a week volunteering for your favorite cause.

Choose �green� books/authors for school projects

Show your support of environmentally concious authors by choosing them for your school projects. You, your classmates, and even your teachers will likely learn more than you expect!

Plan a community event

Coordinate an event at work, at your school or within your community that helps raise awareness about environmental issues such as recycling, waste reduction and conservation.

Use rechargeable batteries

Disposable batteries are expensive and wasteful. Although rechargable battery sets can be slightly more expensive up-front, you'll save a lot of money in the long-term. You can save up to $1200 a year!

Steer away from disposable cups - and B.Y.O.C./M.

Hide the throw-away cups, and train people to use their washable coffee mugs. Use washable mugs for meetings too. Be sure to Bring Your Own Cup/Mug and set a good example!