Green Schools In Idaho
Are you part of a group pushing for green schools in Idaho? The state
is a little behind in this area with only two. But that's a start and I'm
sure many more will follow. It's important to learn from this school, and
others like it, and see what you can bring back to your not so green schools.
All schools can stand a little greening.
The Van Buren Elementary school in Caldwell has received a silver rating from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. One of the leading advantages of green schools is the building becomes the curriculum. They entire building is a lesson in energy efficiency and sustainability, and that gets taught to the children in very understandable ways.
Another advantage is better health for teachers and students. Van Buren Elementary school has an abundance of fresh, outside air and they are constantly bathed in natural daylight. Everything about this school is wonderful, and very green, but my favorite part are the two speed toilets. The kids move a lever from position one to position two to determine the amount of water needed to do the job. Pretty cool.
Caldwell lays claim to the second LEED school in Idaho with the completion of Washington Elementary. This is a great start for Caldwell and all of Idaho, I'm sure many more green schools will follow.
But until then, make your existing schools green. Teach sustainable living, plant trees and gardens, install solar panels, bring in containers for recycling and start a green club in every school. These are just a few of the things being done in schools today, things being done by teachers, by students and by parents.
Is there a green school near you, one that you could tell us about. Please do, tell us about green schools in Idaho. By doing so maybe we can encourage all schools in Idaho to go green.
Tell us about your green school.
A green school, club or activity you are proud of.
