Eco-Schools
USA
We are
partnering with Eco-Schools USA as a way for schools to become a
sustainable school and help with the process of applying for the ED-Green
Ribbon School award. The Seven Step Program of Eco-Schools USA helps to structure steps in becoming
an Eco-School and ED-GRS. A school can
apply for any one of these levels depending on the level of criteria it has met
under each of the seven steps. The Bronze Award Criteria, Silver Award Criteria
and Green Flag Award Criteria, will help to give schools an idea of what stage
they have reached and next steps.
What are the Seven Steps?
- Establish an Eco-Action Team
- Perform an Environmental Review / Audit
- Develop an Eco-Action Plan
- Monitor and Evaluate Progress
- Link to Educational Curriculum
- Involve the Entire School and Larger Community
- Create an "Eco-Code," or a Mission Statement
Eco-Schools
USA has identified a variety of areas of primary focus or "pathways"
to help schools become an Eco-School.
The Eco-Schools USA Pathways to Sustainability include:
- Energy Pathway
- Water Pathway
- Climate Change Pathway
- Transportation Pathway
- School Grounds Pathway
- Consumption and Waste Pathway
- Healthy Living Pathway
- Healthy Schools Pathway
- Biodiversity Pathway
- Sustainable Food Pathway
- Watersheds, Oceans, and Wetlands (WOW) Pathway
- Learning about Forests (LEAF) Pathway
We encourage
you to utilize the resources of Eco-Schools USA to begin your pathway to becoming
a sustainable school.
Looking for local resources? Visit PA
Green & Healthy Schools Resources.
These are some of the most valuable, high-impact programs currently
available for schools and stakeholders. These resources are grouped according
to the three pillars defined by the U. S. Department of Education's Green
Ribbon Schools.