Create a green team at school
- Earth Points
- 45
- Ease
- Ambitious
Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash
Description
Schools can face financial and organizational barriers to becoming more sustainable. No matter the level of learning institution you may attend, students and staff can help turn good ideas into practical action.
You already understand many of your school’s routines, spaces, and needs, which can help you identify opportunities for improvement. Creating a green team also offers valuable experience in communication, teamwork, leadership, planning, and making a positive impact.
Begin by gathering interested people, securing approval, and proposing a few achievable projects. A team spreads responsibility and brings together different ideas and skills. Finding a teacher to sponsor your team and help you navigate may be helpful as well.
Start small, build trust through early successes, and expand your efforts as your team gains experience and support.
Tips
• Ask a teacher or other faculty member to advise or sponsor the team. They can help guide you through creating the team and solving issues you will run into.
• Prepare a short proposal explaining the team’s purpose and initial ideas. Highlight the educational, environmental, and community benefits, along with opportunities to reduce school costs.
• When speaking with school leaders to get any approvals and support, explain the environmental and educational benefits, as well as the potential cost savings. Reducing energy and water use, waste, and unnecessary purchases can benefit both our planet and the school’s budget.
• During your first team meeting, talk about the priorities, assign responsibilities, establish a timeline, and have the plan approved by school leadership to avoid misunderstandings.
• Focus on practical improvements that people can support, such as reducing wasted energy, improving recycling, switching from single-use to more durable items, cutting food waste, or organizing a reuse or swap event. Early successes can strengthen the team and build momentum.
• Research project ideas online to have a wide range of options that appeal to the team.
• Track your results, including any waste reduced, energy saved, money saved, or people involved. Celebrate successes and share them with the school community to encourage wider participation.
