Greening our Schools: School Composting

Greening our schools doesn't necessarily involve huge capital improvements. Sure solar panels for hot water would be fantastic. Switching from oil to natural gas for heating would be a step in the right direction. How about the smaller purchases like energy efficient lights? A good idea, but greening our schools doesn't have to include purchasing anything. We can save money, reduce carbon emissions, and teach ourselves and our students to be smart stewards of the environment by implementing simple cost-free programs.

A lot can be accomplished by changing habits. Turning off lights when you leave a room is a basic but important lesson we've all learned, and when we all do it, we help the environment in a big way. Changes in our daily routines produce the most profound effects.

I have recycled since a was a child, before it was in all our schools and everywhere we go. And now I can't imagine not recycling. It is simply a part of my routine, as it is for most of us. I'm glad that today our students and schools recycle as a part of their routine. But recycling paper and cans is just a beginning. What about taking recycling to the next step, and starting a school composting program?

School composting will recycle natural resources, reduce the amount of waste that needs to be hauled off to the landfill, and create a useful product, the finished compost, that could be used in landscaping or community gardening. Most importantly, school composting will educate the community about the importance of responsible waste management and being good stewards of the environment. And it is inexpensive and easy. In fact, it could save money!

If we want greener schools, we need to think beyond facilities. We should address our habits and start changing them for the better.