Helping students develop environmental awareness and save valuable resources!

1. Helping students develop environmental awareness and save valuable resources!

2. MGSPHistory • The Michigan Green Schools Program was a grassroots effort initiated by students from Hartland High School. • Public Act 146 (2006) created the Michigan Green Schools Program. • Public Act 301 (2010) added the status’ of emerald and evergreen for schools who have a achieved higher environmental designation. • Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties formed the Southeast Michigan Green Schools Initiative to supplement the state-wide effort. • Over 600 schools voluntarily participate statewide with 101 from the Macomb County area. Gov. Granholm signing PA 146 with students from Hartland High School.

3. GreenSchool’s Objectives • Promote ecological stewardship. • Promote viable practices to encourage environmental responsibility. • Encourage energy savings which lowers costs for the school. • Encourages volunteerism, team-building, and communication between students, staff, peers and the community. Electronic Recycling Station Students crafting a bird-house

4. The 5 Categories • AT LEAST TWO ACTIVITIES MUST BE CHOSEN FROM EACH OF THE FIRST FOUR CATEGORIES. • The Five Categories include: • I - Reduce/Reuse/Recycle • II - Energy Category • III - Environmental Protection • IV - Miscellaneous • V - Propose your own point (optional) • Ideas for Category V must be approved by your county’s Program Coordinator by December 1st. • Specific details about the activities within each category can be found on-line at: www.macombBOC.com

5. Category I - Recycling Must complete at least 2 points • Coordinate a program for recycling at least two of the following; • Office paper • Plastic • Metal cans • Printer Cartridges • Newspapers and magazines • Cellular telephones • Cardboard • Fabric and clothing • Compact discs and digital video discs • Glass • Composting food and organic waste • Conduct a waste-free lunch program • Implement a policy to recycled, biodegradable, locally produced or less toxic food or school supplies.

6. Category II - Energy Must complete at least 2 points • Offer at least one teaching unit on alternative energy • Using alternative energy, renewable fuels or specialized energy-efficient technology in school operations • Implement a school energy-saving program • Perform energy audits at student homes and educating student families and the community • Take part in a project or event to promote improved vehicle fuel efficiency • Sponsoring an alternative energy presentation, project or event

7. Category III - Environmental ProtectionMust complete at least 2 points • Participate in activities promoting the health of the Great Lakes watershed • Offer a teaching unit on environmental issues facing this state • Establish or maintain a natural Michigan garden project with native plants • Establish or maintain an animal habitat project • Participate in a local community environmental issue by activities such as attending public hearings, raising funds or community outreach.

8. Category IV – MiscellaneousMay complete up to 2 points; these activities must receive approval from a Green Schools coordinator • Adopt an endangered or threatened species and publicize the activity • Host an environmental or energy speaker, event or field trip • Establish a student organization that participates in environmental activities • Observe Earth Day by participating in an Earth Day event in April • Maintain an updated bulletin board or kiosk with information on environmental concerns and the school’s actions in addressing those concerns • Establish an eco-reading program • Update the school’s media center environmental materials • Visit internet sites that educate about the environment and support endangered ecosystems

9. GreenSchools In Action

10. Green Tips to Earn Points • DTE provides energy saving tips to help lower costs for schools. • Ecosize Me assemblies can help raise environmental awareness through their hands-on presentations. • Computer Recyclers of Michigan partners with schools to help reduce and reuse electronic waste. • TerraCycle has cash for trash programs. • Raise awareness for the environment by creating posters in art class. • Host a letter writing campaign to local officials on environmental issues. • www.MichiganGreenSchools.us offers education materials for teachers such as; • Flower Pot maker • Portable Solar cooking kits • Great Lakes lesson plans • Books and coloring kits