GreenSchools!

Why Green Schools?

One in five people who live in the United States—55 million children, teachers, administrators, nurses and janitors—spend their days in K–12 schools. Schools can, and should, provide a healthy environment for students and staff, promote sustainable practices, and teach students to be responsible stewards of their community, the earth and its resources.

What is a Green School?

A Green School integrates and uses clean conservation practices on school grounds, and creates a healthier, happier, and smarter student body. Greening a school is done on a school-wide basis, by the teachers and students themselves. Through hands-on service learning activities, 5 investigations guide students and teachers through actions that address academic standards and institute long-term changes to improve the health of the school, often while saving money!  Click here to read more about a model GreenSchool in South Carolina.

What are the components of the GreenSchools Program?

Click here for a complete list of GreenSchools! program components.

How Do We Start?

It takes five steps to become a PLT GreenSchool!:

1. Get PLT Training: www.plt.org

2. Form a PLT GreenSchools! Team: www.pltgreenschools.org

3. Complete PLT GreenSchools! Investigations
4. Take Action to Improve Your School’s Environment
5. Share Your Results, Celebrate Success!

While any teacher can use the investigations, to be recognized as a ‘Green School,” you need complete all five of PLT's GreenSchools! Investigations.