Here's My Great Green Idea!

Greening Up the PES PTO!

The Peterborough Elementary School's PTO decided to get serious about helping the environment. Instead of just complaining about the lack of concern over the health of our earth, we decided to take action. The first step was to establish the "green committee". Then a presentation was made to the PTO, complete with examples of green products, and information was distributed to the school's families in the monthly newsletter. The motto was an oldie, but goodie: Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle.

We immediately acted upon our goals. Every event that the PTO hosted: the fall fun fair, movie nights, game night... followed certain protocol. The packaging, serving, and disposal of our foods were done in a way that reduced our footprint. We asked that donated food and drink items not be individually wrapped. We asked that they be brought into school in reusable or recyclable containers. We served the food on plates and bowls, with cups and napkins that were made from biodegradable or recycled/recyclable materials. We found plates, bowls, and cups made from a by-product of the sugar cane industry! At the disposal end of things, we set up an area that was monitored at all times by green people. Pails were labeled for: recycling, compost, washable silverware, and garbage. The compost was comprised of the food scraps that could be used for garden compost! Styrofoam was banned and became known as the "s" word.

This PTO green initiative helped spur more "greening up" of our entire school -- 4th graders now collect paper each week that is now recycled instead of thrown in the trash; the staff's "Friday lunch potlucks" are now using the PTO 'go green' guidelines; there are more classes visiting the Peterborough Recycling Center and then getting their families to recycle.

Many alternatives to garbage exist. It is just a matter of change. Everyone can reduce their environmental footprint. We just need to take the initiative!