Public Act 301 (2010) updated and revised P.A. 146 (2006), which established the Michigan Green Schools program.  A public or private school in Michigan may apply to be designated a “Green School” by submitting an appropriate application to the county/intermediate school district in which the school is located. The intent of the Michigan Green Schools Program is to encourage students to participate in activities which help them learn about preserving natural resources, protect the environment and promote energy efficiency and savings.

 

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 by March 1, 2013.  Schools must adhere to the categories and activities as described below. Note that a single activity cannot be repeated, a second occurrence will not count in the final point total.

 

Designation                        Number of Points to Complete         

     Green                         10 - 14 points

   Emerald                       15 - 19 points

  Evergreen                     20 or more points

 

Points can be accumulated by participating in activities in any combination within categories, as long as there is a minimum of two different earned from each Category A-D.  Up to two activities are allowable from Category E, "Propose Your Own," and these may be used to achieve the number of points for any designation provided the activity is approved by a county coordinator before December 1, 2012.

 

Category A – Recycling Category

(Complete at least two different activities to earn points within this category)

 

Activity 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
• Other1 - item not covered in the above listing
• Other2 - item not covered in the above listing

Activity 2.  Composting food and organic wastes (+)

Activity 3.  Conducting a waste-free lunch program (+)

Activity 4.  Implementing a policy to buy recycled, biodegradable, locally produced or less toxic food and school supplies. Participate in local farm programs/participate in purchasing locally grown produce

Category B – Energy Category

(Complete at least two different activities to earn points within this category)

 

1. Offer at least one teaching unit on alternative energy
2. Using alternative energy, renewable fuels or specialized energy-efficient technology in school operations (district wide mandates)
3. Implement a school energy-saving program – specific actions taken at your school building
4. Perform energy audits at student homes and educating student families and the community
5. Taking part in a project or event to promote improved vehicle fuel efficiency (+)
6. Sponsoring an alternative energy presentation, project or event (+)

Category C – Environmental Protection Category

(Complete at least two different activities to earn points within this category)

 

1. Participate in activities promoting the health of any Michigan watershed
2. Offer a teaching unit on environmental issues facing this state
3. Establish or maintain a natural Michigan garden project with native plants or vegetables. Grown produce is used in teaching units or donated to a community organization (+)
4. Establish or maintain an animal habitat project
5. Participate in a local community environmental issue by activities such as letter-writing, attending public hearings, raising funds or community outreach (+)

  

Category D – Miscellaneous Category

(Complete at least two different activities to earn points within this category)

 

1. Adopt an endangered or threatened species and publicize the activity
2. Host an environmental or energy speaker, event or field trip
3. Establish a student organization that participates in environmental activities
4. Observe Earth Day by participating in an Earth Day event in April and/or America Recycles Day in November
5. Maintain an updated bulletin board or kiosk with information on environmental concerns and the school’s actions in addressing those concerns
6. Establish an eco-reading program
7. Update the school’s media center environmental materials
8. Visit internet sites that educate about the environment and support endangered ecosystems
9. Create and active website, school wide broadcast, a Public Service Announcement, or documentary addressing environmental issues facing the state (+)
10.  Coordinate an exchange or drive to collect used or unwanted items within the school or community for repurpose (+)

  

 

Category E – Propose Your Own Activity

(Optional – Up to two activities may be proposed)

 

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, 2012.

 

Other Important Notes:

• ( + ) New this year!  A ( + ) next to a listed activity indicates that additional credit (up to 1 additional point) MAY be awarded  to schools which – by the submitted description and supporting materials – have shown evidence of student learning as well as higher levels of complexity and effort in the planning and execution of the activity/project. 

Schools must submit their application on the county-specific application form found on each county’s website.  Please note that other application forms, including those found on the Michigan Green Schools Foundation website, CANNOT be accepted. If you experience any problems with the application, please contact your county coordinator.

• The specific category and activity must be selected and indicated on the application form. A descriptive paragraph of each activity performed must be included. Include appropriate details such as dates, participants, program sponsors, company, brands, data collected, feedback and any evidence of learning as well as updates to any activities from previous years. Include material which supports the activity, such as photos, video, web sites and literature, if possible.

• Applications are due by March 1, 2013.

  

Macomb County Green Schools coordinator contact: 

Patti Dib                         patti.dib@macombgov.org                  586.469.6484

 

Oakland County Green Schools coordinator contact:

Debby Dunn                   debby.dunn@oakland.k12.mi.us       248.209.2416

 

Wayne County Green Schools coordinator contact:

Nancy Gregor              ngregor@co.wayne.mi.us                    734.326.4607