EDUCATION: The Green Schools Movement

We all remember learning about Earth Day and recycling in grade school, but these days, there is much more going on than just preaching "reduce, reuse, recycle." According to a recent New York Times article, schools like Scarsdale Middle School in Westchester County, N.Y., are encouraging students to not only get involved in the green movement, but to encourage their parents to do the same.

For example, they have made their pick-up/drop-off area a "No-Idling Zone" where parents are discouraged from leaving their engines on while waiting for students. In California, schools in San Bernadino and Riverside counties created a light-bulb exchange program where students replaced 15,734 incandescent bulbs (and counting) in their homes with energy-efficient compact fluorescent versions.

But some educators belive classroom environmental initiatives are a waste of taxpayer money, especially when so many of our nation's schools are filled with students who aren't meeting the minimum standards on math and reading tests.

According to the New York Times, Jerry Cantrell, president of the New Jersey Taxpayers Association, called the environmental programs an unnecessary expense, particularly for public schools facing budget cutbacks. “The ‘ed biz’ is known for faddish endeavors,” he said. “They pick up on some new philosophy, and it seems cool and popular, and I would throw being green in with that."

I personally believe schools have a responsibility to teach students about protecting and replenishing their environment. Not only will it create a generation of environmentally-aware individuals, but there is a high chance that these kids will also impact the way their parents act. Its also a little disconcerting that so many educators don't believe little changes will help. I think we should all HOPE that the green movement takes hold in schools.

-Lisa