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An Introduction to
Washington Green SchoolsIs a voluntary, statewide, web-based program your school can use to:
– Reduce its environmental and carbon footprint.– Provide students with hands-on experience & education
about the environment.
The HistoryA group of solid waste educators and other experts developed this program to provide a statewide consistent structure for “greening” schools.
– Initiated in the fall of 2005– Inspired by other model programs– Funded by a Dept of Ecology Grant– Launched statewide August 2009
The MissionProvide Washington schools with the tools and support to:
– Integrate a focus on environmental sustainability both inside and outside the classroom.
– Take action that results in environmentally responsible facilities.
The VisionAll Washington Schools:
– Practice resource conservation and protection, and toxics reduction.
– Provide a climate where students are engaged as environmental stewards.
Why Become a Green School?Benefits for schools include:
– Helps meet State sustainability learning requirements– Extends curriculum into practical application– Reduces the school’s environmental footprint– Can reduce utility and operating waste & costs– Provides recognition for “green” efforts
How Do Students Benefit? Students gain:
– Leadership and collaboration experience– Community service opportunities– Healthier schools– Empowerment to take action– Recognition for efforts
WebsiteYou can:
– Self-administer the program in your own timing– Find tools, assessments, guides, and resources– Input and store data, receive electronic confirmation– Submit your “report card” online– Share best practices and build community.
Overarching QuestionsAddresses questions such as:
– How can our school conserve resources and reduce its environmental impact?
– How can students take practical action to help the environment and grow as stewards & leaders?
General Information• There are five Levels that a school can attain• Every school starts working on Level 1• Each Level is designed for one school year• 100 points required per Level• Each Level focuses on a different Environmental
Category. There are five categories: one for each Level.
Program RubricStep 1: Build Your Green TeamStep 2: AssessStep 3: Address: Make a Lasting ChangeStep 4: Take More ActionStep 5. Share Your ResultsStep 6: Submit Report Card and Celebrate!
Step 1: Build Green TeamGet started:
– Set up your account.– Form your green team.– Ensure the team includes at least one teacher, one other
staff person, one administrator associate, and two students.
Step 2: AssessSelect one Category and fill out the assessment form:
– Energy Efficiency– Recycling and Waste Reduction– Toxics Reduction and Indoor Air Quality– Transportation and Outdoor Air Quality– Water Quality and Conservation
Step 3: Address: Make a Lasting Change
Review your Assessment:– Analyze the results– Decide on a long lasting change– Make it happen!– Examples include:
• Set up a recycling program• Establish a no idling policy
Step 4 : Take More ActionTake at least one action in each of the four other categories (not the focus category). These will be smaller in scope.
Step 5: Share Your ResultsShare what you discovered and what you did:
– With the school community (i.e. assembly)– Outside of your school (i.e. local radio)
Step 6: Submit Report CardSubmit your final report card and get certified as a Level 1 Washington Green School. Get your flag and celebrate!
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I’m monumentally excited. This is not a burden. Even without the recognition rewards we are being given so many resources to make a change. This is great!” - Ira Siebert, Everett School District 5th grade teacher
“We’re the leaders we’ve been waiting for – we’re the ones to do this. We’re the ones who are going to put this together. This perfectly ties with the new OSPI Education for Environment and Sustainability requirements. It’s educational reform!” - Dave Ketter, Sequim High School teacher
“Fabulous. Here are all the resources a school needs to set up programs. This is just the tool I’ve needed.” - Polagaya McLaughlin, Sr. Planner, Solid Waste Programs, Snohomish Co.
“I’m very excited about the program and training. It’s a challenge, but a worthwhile challenge.” - Allison Greenberg, Everett Public Schools teacher
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