Public Act 301 (2010) updated and revised P.A. 146 (2006), established the Michigan Green Schools program.  A public or private school in Michigan may apply to be designated as a “Green School” by submitting an appropriate application to the county/intermediate school district in which the school is located.

A school is eligible to receive a green, emerald or evergreen school environmental stewardship designation if the school or students submits proper documentation describing how the school has performed a minimum of two activities from each of the categories described below is submitted by March 1, 2012.  Schools must adhere to the categories and activities as described below, which are included in P.A. 301 (2010).

 

Designation                        Number of Activities/Points to Complete      

     Green                         10 points

   Emerald                       15 points

  Evergreen                     20 or more points

Points can be accumulated in any combination of categories, as long as there is a minimum of two from each Category 1-4.  Up to two activities are allowable from Category 5, "Propose Your Own," and these may be used to achieve the number of activities for any designation provided the activity is approved by a county coordinator before December 1, 2011.

 

Category 1 – Recycling Category

(Complete at least two activities)

     1.  Coordinate a program for recycling at least two of the following:

• Office paper

• Plastic

• Metal cans

• Printer cartridges

• Newspapers and magazines

• Cellular telephones

• Cardboard

• Fabric and clothing

• Compact discs and digital video discs

• Glass

     2.  Composting food and organic wastes

     3.  Conducting a waste-free lunch program

     4.  Implementing a policy to buy recycled, biodegradable, locally produced or less toxic food and school supplies

 

Category 2 – Energy Category

(Complete at least two activities)

 

• Offer at least one teaching unit on alternative energy

• Using alternative energy, renewable fuels or specialized energy-efficient technology in school operations

• Implement a school energy-saving program

• Perform energy audits at student homes and educating student families and the community

• Taking part in a project or event to promote improved vehicle fuel efficiency

• Sponsoring an alternative energy presentation, project or event

Category 3 – Environmental Protection Category

(Complete at least two activities)

 

• Participate in activities promoting the health of the Great Lakes watershed

• Offer a teaching unit on environmental issues facing this state

• Establish or maintain a natural Michigan garden project with native plants

• Establish or maintain an animal habitat project

• Participate in a local community environmental issue by activities such as letter-writing, attending public hearings, raising funds or community outreach

 

 Category 4 – Miscellaneous Category

(Complete at least two activities)

 

• Adopt an endangered or threatened species and publicize the activity

• Host an environmental or energy speaker, event or field trip

• Establish a student organization that participates in environmental activities

• Observe Earth Day by participating in an Earth Day event in April

• Maintain an updated bulletin board or kiosk with information on environmental concerns and the school’s actions in addressing those concerns

• Establish an eco-reading program

• Update the school’s media center environmental materials

• Visit internet sites that educate about the environment and support endangered ecosystems

 

Category 5 – Propose Your Own Point

(Optional - Up to total of two )

A school may design and propose another activity, which would qualify as an environmental stewardship project.  The school MUST receive prior approval from a county coordinator by December 1 of the applicable school year.

 

Other Important Notes:

• Schools must submit their application on the county-specific application form found on their county’s web site.

• The specific Point and Category must be noted within a complete description of each activity performed; include as much detail and supporting material such as photos, video, web sites and literature, as possible. Appropriate details may include dates, names of participants, program sponsors, company, brands, etc.

• Applications are due by March 1 of the program cycle year.

  

For more information or assistance, please contact Macomb County Green Schools program coordinators:

Macomb County Board of Commissioners

Patti Dib

One S. Main Street, 9th Floor

Mount Clemens, MI  48043

586.469.6484

patti.dib@macombcountymi.gov

Click here for the Online Green School Application

Click here for a printable file of the 2011-12 Program Guidelines