Tips for Going Green in the Classroom

Last week, we looked at some of the different ways you can go green in the workplace. This week, in part two of Studio 602’s green lifestyle series, we will be looking at going green in the classroom, and how you can teach your students a thing or two along the way. 

Going Green in the Classroom

Children are increasingly becoming aware of the ideas behind the “green” movement at a young age, but many do not know what steps they can take to decrease their impact on the environment. Since the classroom is always associated with learning and classroom waste is a common but preventable problem, what better place is there to teach our children about how they can lend a helping hand? Each of these green classroom options will not only reduce the direct impact your classroom has on the environment, they will reduce your classroom’s indirect impact by teaching your students that being environmentally conscious and having fun can go hand in hand.

Recycle

Start a classroom recycling program. Teach students about the different materials that can be recycled, where they can recycle them and the positive impact recycling has on the environment. Have bins set up in your classroom, where students can recycle their paper and bottles from lunch. You can even host a competition, where the student that brings in the most recyclables gets extra credit. If your school allows it, take a field trip to a recycling center, recycle the items you collected in the classroom and let your students see how the process works.

Reuse

Teach your students that “trash” isn’t necessarily trash and that almost everything can be reused by assigning art projects that involve using reused products. Encourage students to create using empty bottles and cans, old packaging and discarded items. Promote cleanliness and make sure that your students are reusing items that have been cleaned. After all of the art projects are completed, host an art show showcasing the student’s reusable work, explain the importance of reusable items and point out the fact that “trash” is not always what it seems.

Nurture 

Grow plants in your classroom. Whether it is a simple bean sprout or a full garden, the act of nurturing a plant from seed to green will teach your students a number of things. First, it will teach the students about the life cycle of a plant. This can lead into discussions about the impact of deforestation and the importance of preservation. It will also, however, give students a glimpse into the world of agriculture. This can lead to discussions about sustainability and the importance of purchasing locally grown crops, rather than mass produced, genetically altered fruits and veggies.

Lead

Ultimately, the best way a teacher can create a greener classroom is by leading by example. Use FSC-certified products, post-consumer products and recyclable products, and explain to your students why using these products is important. Show your students how they can save energy by changing out the classroom’s lightbulbs with CFLs or LEDs and unplugging electronics when they aren’t in use. Provide your students with information that will help them lead green lives. You may not be able to force your students to greenify every aspect of their day-to-day, but you can show them that going green is possible and give them the tools to do it themselves.

Teachers, what are some of the green ideas that you bring into the classroom? Keep the green list going in the comments section below!