Green Up Our Schools

Green Up Our Schools provides funding for proposed waste reduction and recycling plans in elementary schools.

The second year of the program for the 2009-2010 school year is under way. Feel free to take a look at what each of our schools has been up to:

Schools fill out our application, stating their commitment to “going green.”

They create a plan for all 3 years of the program by choosing activities from our list of options for recycling a little more and wasting a little less.

Those schools that demonstrate a strong desire to go green, a supportive team of active green players, and the best “greening” track record are accepted into the program.

Currently, we are only working with elementary schools in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District and the Denver Public School District.

Accepted schools receive $2,000 over three years ($1,000 in Year 1, $500 in Year 2, $500 in Year 3) plus assistance in implementing their plans.

·	Want to cut down on how much lunch packaging is thrown away at school? We’ll give you a step-by-step instructions on how to do it, and help you along the way.

·	Want to take a field trip to a recycling facility? We’ll call the ones in your area and let you know your options.

Each school is expected to do the following:

·	Form an environmental student group to run the program.

·	Launch two waste reduction activities each year.

·	Increase your school’s recycling program, if possible, to include all the commonly recycled materials.

·	Conduct promotional activities to raise awareness about the program with both the student body and the community.

Green Up Our Schools may be expanding in the near future. Want us to come to your school district? Click on the link at the right to tell us why.

“The teachers were very receptive and happy that we are doing something that has been on most people's minds.”

-- Diane from DPS

“Thank you for all of your work and resources, it makes a huge difference in running the program. I worked so hard at it last year and it really didn't take off until your help. Thanks!”

-- DeAnna from NMUSD

“Eastbluff Elementary School has been so fortunate to have received the Green Up Our Schools grant. It has positively changed our use of resources within our school and our community. The students are well aware of our limited resources and are conserving them for their future. Eastbluff School is SO proud of Going Green!”

-- Cheryl Beck from NMUSD