In celebration of Earth Month, over 5,400 schools across the country participated in the Green Your School Challenge through DoSomething.org. Since February 1, students have been given the opportunity to participate in green projects, such as increasing their school’s recycling rate, starting a garden and growing their own produce, and encouraging their school’s administrators to adopt energy-saving practices. (Photo courtesy of DoSomething.org)
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By Kara A. DiCamillo April 25, 2012
In celebration of Earth Month, over 5,400 schools across the country participated in the Green Your School Challenge through DoSomething.org. Since February 1, students have been given the opportunity to participate in green projects, such as increasing their school’s recycling rate, starting a garden and growing their own produce, and encouraging their school’s administrators to adopt energy-saving practices. The kids have also been encouraged to bring the green practices home, talk to their parents, and become more aware of what they can do on their own.
The Green Your School Challenge has been encouraging kids to take action in their schools to help promote a healthier environment for five years now. This year all 50 states, and Washington, D.C., were represented. The top five states were: California (657 schools), Texas (436 schools), Florida (325 schools), New York (288 schools), and Georgia (166 schools).
“The Challenge started because taking care of the environment is a cause that so many young people care about,” Alysha Bologno, Campaigns Associate for DoSomething.org, explains to Sierra Club Green Home. “It was designed to provide tips and ideas for students to take action in their own communities. Although some actions may seem minor, like recycling cans or switching to energy efficient lighting, these small changes can create a big impact! It’s great to see so many teens getting involved and showing the world that they have the power to make a difference.”
Does your student want to get involved? There’s still some time left to participate! Today through April 30, encourage them to visit the Green Your School Challenge online and sign up. There will be two Grand Prizes, one awarded to the school that makes the biggest impact in recycling, and the second to the school that makes the biggest impact in energy conservation. Other prizes, grants, and scholarships will be awarded as well. For example, five schools with the highest number of students registered will win a $1000 grant for their school. Students are encouraged to send in their accomplishments along with photos.
There are some great ideas on the Green Your School Challenge Web site to get students involved in their schools and communities. Green Your School also encourages students to come up with their own ideas and to share it on their school’s page to inspire others.
For related articles, see: Los Angeles Youth Plant Seeds of Sustainability and Social Justice Raising Healthy Children
© 2012 SCGH, LLC.
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