Here is what the Go Green Initiative(GGI) states about what it is: "The Go Green Initiative is a simple, comprehensive program designed to create a culture of environmental responsibility on school campuses across the nation. Founded in 2002, the Go Green Initiative unites parents, students, teachers and school administrators in an effort to make real and lasting changes in their campus communities that will protect children and the environment for years to come."It is based on 5 principles but schools only have to adopt 3 of the principles:
1. Generate compost. This is nature's way of recycling. Through basic and worm composting programs, children learn about ecology, biology and waste reduction.
2. Recycle everything that cannot be reused and purchase items that can be recycled. Schools that recycle provide much-needed materials to manufacturers who produce recycled products.
3. Educate students, teachers and parents on environmentally-responsiblebehavior. When students, teachers and parents work together to make their schools environmentally friendly, they are more likely to take the same behaviors into their off campus lives.
4. Evaluate the environmental impact of every activity. Identify products and practices that could threaten the health of children and the world around them.
2. Recycle everything that cannot be reused and purchase items that can be recycled. Schools that recycle provide much-needed materials to manufacturers who produce recycled products.
3. Educate students, teachers and parents on environmentally-responsiblebehavior. When students, teachers and parents work together to make their schools environmentally friendly, they are more likely to take the same behaviors into their off campus lives.
4. Evaluate the environmental impact of every activity. Identify products and practices that could threaten the health of children and the world around them.
5. Nationalize the principles of responsible paper consumption. Consider purchasing post consumer recycled paper and office products.
Schools in all 50 states, on 4 continents, and in 14 countries have adopted the program. The GGI began tracking waste diversion data points in 2005. Since then, participating schools have kept the following materials out of their local landfills:
7.3 million lbs. of paper
806, 941 lbs. of cardboard
94,314 lbs. of aluminum
157, 026 lbs. of plastic
17,389 printer cartridges
15, 337 cell phones
547,568 lbs. of mixed recyclables
193,643 lbs. of food waste
As a result of that waste diversion, the following environmental impact has been achieved:
over 55 billion BTU’s of energy has been saved
3,628 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions have been prevented
25.7 million gallons of water and 1.4 million gallons of oil were saved due to paper recycling alone
and 13,457 cubic yards of landfill space was conserved.
If you are interested in your school joining this initiative just click here.
