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Paul Wojoski SC DHEC – Bureau of Air Quality Take Action Today Workshop June 24, 2009

Starting a Green Team At School. Paul Wojoski SC DHEC – Bureau of Air Quality Take Action Today Workshop June 24, 2009. Why focus on schools?.

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Paul Wojoski SC DHEC – Bureau of Air Quality Take Action Today Workshop June 24, 2009

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  1. Starting a Green Team At School Paul Wojoski SC DHEC – Bureau of Air Quality Take Action Today Workshop June 24, 2009

  2. Why focus on schools? • “One in five people who live in this country—55 million children, teachers, administrators, nurses and janitors—spend their days in K–12 schools.” 1 • 85% of U.S. adults have completed high school.2 • What are we teaching future generations? • What do we want to teach them? • TheLittle Green Schoolhouse: Thinking Big About Ecological Sustainability, Children’s Environmental Health, and K-12 Education in the USA. ( www.greenschools.net ) • U.S. Census Bureau, 2005 ( www.census.gov )

  3. What is a Green Team? • A group or committee of interested participants that work toward more sustainable operating practice. How do we start a Green Team at our school?

  4. Step 1: Create “Buy-In” • Encourage School Administrators to make “going green” a priority • Meet with principals, administrators, PTSO, district representatives • Create a policy statement

  5. 48-52-620 SCHOOL DISTRICTS MUST PREPARE ENERGY CONSERVATION PLANS IN ORDER TO MEET AN ENERGY CONSUMPTION REDUCTION GOAL OF 1 PERCENT PER YEAR TO ACHIEVE 20 PERCENT BY 2020, USING 2000 AS A BASELINE YEAR. The Timing is Right • Climate Change • Budget Issues • State Legislation • Federal Stimulus Money

  6. Step 2: Advertise your Team • Set First Meeting – Have the principal/administrator make an announcement. • Let everyone know how they can get involved • Kick-off Party

  7. Step 3: First Meeting • Form your team • Include participants for many areas: • Parents, custodial staff, students, administrators, teachers… • Have Fun: “Brand” your team

  8. Step 4: First Meeting • Assess and Baseline: What is your school already doing? • Brainstorm: Where are there opportunities to improve at your school? • Building Modifications • Behavioral Changes • Policy Changes • Make a list

  9. So many ideas! • Collect recyclables at school, etc. • Green your cleaning • Plant edible gardens, native plants, xeroscape • B2 – Anti-idling policies • Compost lunch scraps • Reduce waste streams • Light and computer policies to save energy • Double-sided printing; paper reuse • Green Tips in school newsletters • Water conservation reminders in restrooms

  10. Get Students Involved! • Integrate projects into curriculum: • Art projects with recycled materials • Science/Math projects on energy consumption • Social Studies projects on environmental issues • Field Trips

  11. Step 5: Set Some Easy Goals • High likelihood of success • Momentum will help the new team succeed

  12. Step 6: Celebrate Success! • Advertise your success • Websites, newsletters, PTSO meetings, bulletin boards, press releases • Reward best/most creative ideas • Join Green Steps Schools!

  13. Green Team Resources for Schools • Green Steps • www.greenstepschools.com • EPA’s ENERGY STAR • www.energystar.gov – Become a partner! • SC Energy Office • www.energy.sc.gov • Green Schools Initiative • www.greenschools.net

  14. Green Teams at Schools Questions? Comments? Paul Wojoski SC DHEC – Air Quality wojoskpa@dhec.sc.gov 803-898-4087 Rosewood Community Garden “Green Team” at work!

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