Green Schools Challenge
What is the New York State "Green Schools" Challenge?
The "Green Schools" Challenge is sponsored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to recognize those schools that are working towards responsible solid waste management by developing waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting and/or buy recycled products and packaging programs.
Who Can Participate?
All public and private elementary, middle (junior high) and high schools that comply with their local recycling laws or are in compliance by February 1, 2009. If you are not sure about your local recycling law, contact your local recycling coordinator. You can find him/her on this website - www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8511.html
Eligible Schools Must:
- Have a recycling program in place.
- Submit a complete application form, in the required format.
- Agree to allow a summary of their accomplishments to be published.
Submissions will include photos, descriptions of your educational program and any other appropriate materials needed to further describe your program.
What Is The Criteria for Evaluation?
Schools will be judged on:
- The amount of waste diversion achieved.
- Level of student/staff participation.
- Effectiveness of the program.
- Innovation and/or partnerships.
What Will Schools Receive If They Participate?
All schools meeting participation requirements will receive a "Certificate of Appreciation" from the Department.
The first 200 schools that respond with a reasonable submission will receive a free copy of Young Discoverers "Garbage & Recycling" (elementary school) or "The End of Nature" by Bill Mc Kibben (middle and high school.)
One elementary, one middle and one high school will be awarded a plaque; a compost bin; waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting and buy recycled educational materials and videos; and a visit by NYSDEC Commissioner Grannis.
Challenge Application Submission.
Applicants must:
Submit either a paper or an electronic copy of the application and any supporting information. An electronic copy must be in Word, WordPerfect or PDF, on diskettes, CD-ROM or via e-mail.
All paper copies must be two sided.
Application Time Line:
April 22, 2008
Challenge Applications sent out to schools.
May and June, 2008
Schools design/improve their recycling programs.
September 2008 - February 1, 2009
March 1, 2009
March 2 - April 1, 2009
April 22, 2009
Mail completed applications to:
NYSDEC
"Green Schools" Challenge
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-7253
or email to: dshmwrr@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Applicants will receive an electronic notification confirming receipt of the Challenge Form.
Commonly Asked Questions.
My school only recycles, are we eligible to participate?
Yes, schools that comply with their local recycling program are eligible.
My school would like to do more, how can we expand our program?
Additional Questions?
Call Debbie Jackson, Environmental Program Specialist, NYSDEC at (518) 402-8705 or email at dajackso@gw.dec.state.ny.us
