Green Schools

Mission:  EESP will work with school administrators to help supplement environmental initiatives and green activities within schools - with student, parent & teacher support

The Green Schools team have offered assistance. and participated with area schools to implement environmental initiatives and green activities. These activities will be largely based on the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Environmental Action Plan or the Private School's own program.

Actions for Green Schools:
Arbor Day Tree Plantings at various schools with readings & discussion on the importance of trees

Edgewater Little Free Library Network (ReUse and Sharing of Books)
The little free library network includes books for children.  Take a Book, Read a Book, Return a Book system encourages reading and sharing with youngsters.  Many books are based on environmental themes.

EESP VOTED ITS SUPPORT OF THIS CPS INITIATIVE
  • The Chicago Public Schools joined with New York, LA, Dallas, Miami-Dade & Orange County (Orlando). These school districts were determined to eliminate polluting polystyrene service-ware and replace it with a greener, "healthier" tray that was also cost neutral. Their joint purchasing power gave them sufficient leverage to drive the cost down to a feasible level. A recyclable & compostable pulp-based tray is in use in these school districts since 2016.

MORE GREEN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES 
  • School Recycle Programs:  Green Teams (led by teachers or parent volunteers) work with staff to set up separate recycle baskets in each room and collect the recycled materials once a week.
  • Rain Garden/Vegetable Gardens:  A number of Edgewater Schools have led the way in planting these educational gardens as part of class exercises.   Summer follow through is planned with the students and parents
  • Green or Environmental Clubs - Initiatives range from planting vegetable beds to working on Monarch and pollinator habitats. 
  • Energy Efficiency/Cost Saving Initiatives - Meetings were held with Principals at Uncommon Ground, hosted by the Alderman.  Discussions ranged from utilizing programs funded by the state to replace lights with more energy efficient models as well as how to apply for grants to add solar.

 Green Schools Team

Cathy Smith, cathy@heathersteans.com; 
Intern@heathersteans.com
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Steve Meiss, Arbor Day Organizer;  EESP and EGA Block Club