Going Green

On July 17, Al Gore gave a speech. He challenged us to be "green" within ten years. During my summer school class, I had the scholars listen to the speech and then write a blog about it. Later we considered the alternative energies available. Soon after that we became aware of Green Colleges and a Green conference in Israel. In a very short period we were more aware and practicing a new lifestyle.


Now, the school is becoming more conscious. We have a paper recycle squad. They took those boxes paper is delivered in and painted them green. They cut slots in the tops and put a green recycle paper box in every classroom and next to all copy machines and printers. Two or three times a week they collect the paper. We bought printers and copiers that use both sides of the paper.

We passed out reusable water bottles to all the staff and to as many students as we had bottles. We want to break the water bottle habit. On each floor in the school we have cardboard bins for recycling plastic bottles. A goal is to cut down on water bottle usage.

We purchased small canvas bags that fold up real small and fit in a pants pocket or purse. I use mine whenever I go to the store for my lunch. I have a larger bag in my book bag for when I get groceries after school. I've had other shoppers exclaim they should get one too. I have given demonstrations of how compact my bag is and fits comfortably in my back pocket. When I unfold it I show them how much it can hold. They are impressed. Then I show them the big one I have in my book bag. I have a plastic bag hanging from a closet handle I use to collect other plastic bags, so I can take them to the local store for recycling.

The students have become more conscious. During summer school three students who always had a water bottle with them, purchased more formidable water bottles they could use over and over again. They proudly displayed them. Now we need more of those stories until it just becomes.

If we can get our scholars to use fewer plastic bags and fewer plastic bottles and to be more conscious of going green we will make an impact on the environment. This change is going to take some time but it is very doable. Schools are doing the best they can. Education can help us realize the challenge offered up by Al Gore.