Back to school green tips

Just in time for back to school season, Earth Day Network has come out with a list of suggestions for students, teachers, and parents to green their schools. Even as the trees start to change colors, these activities are sure to keep many communities green.

1. Teachers can have students patrol to check that lights are off in vacant rooms, and make signs or stickers such as “Flip the switch when leaving!” as a reminder to turn off lights.
2. Use Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) or LED bulbs and have students compute energy savings.
3. Keep air vents clear and up to date and work with custodians to fix drafty rooms; ensure that furnace filters are cleaned often.
4. In winter, close classroom doors to trap heat in.
5. Make sure computers are programmed to enter “sleep” mode when inactive, and avoid screen savers. Turn off computers when the day ends.
6. Urge students or faculty to start a recycling program for the school