Green Your School

Four years ago, my introduction into the world of public-school parenting was eased by finding my niche in the school early on. A personable woman – who turned out to be Wallywriter and waste-reducer extraordinaire, Barb – invited me to volunteer in the school lunchroom where I helped the student Green Team manage the sorting of compost, recycling and trash.

The following year, my son changed schools to one that didn’t have a lunchroom recycling and composting program. I called on Barb, who helped me figure out how to start a Green Team at our new school. I discovered that school projects are full of logistics: rules, funding, principal approval, PTA support, teacher buy-in, student involvement. It goes much more smoothly when you have a mentor to help you figure it all out.

Since I got involved the in the green schools movement, I have met many parents, students and teachers in Seattle who would like to incorporate sustainability into the school year. Collaboration, funding and support can be hard to find if you don’t know where to begin. Luckily, the first ever Green Your School Fair is coming up to help make those connections.

Organizations such at Seattle Tilth, Feet First, walk.bike.schools, SDOT, CoolMom and Washington Green Schools will be in attendance to talk logistics, funding, scope and more, and to inspire you with the many possible projects your school could tackle. Parents and students who are currently involved in projects will be on hand to give the insider’s scoop. The whole thing is arranged fair-style, so you can drop in as your schedule permits. If you can’t make it at all, you can join the Green Your School Seattle Facebook group to meet other likeminded individuals.

Green Your School Fair

Tuesday, September 24th

6:30-8:30 pm

Lincoln High Cafeteria

4400 Interlake Ave. N