Off the Urban Grid

Green Back to School Opportunities

Adjusting your schedule to get back into the school groove can take some time, but once you’re back in the saddle again, take the opportunity to green your child’s school system. Now that you’re back in contact with parents and school officials, take the community by storm and create a voice for your mission.

Many schools and universities are on the bandwagon when it comes to recycling. However, there are still some out there that need a budge in the right direction, and if this is your school, start a discussion via PTO meetings. In order to get a program into place, you might have to volunteer quite a bit of your time and organize partnerships between local recycling centers and the school. But it will all be worth it.

If there is already a recycling program in place, what about having local farmers come into the school and discuss permaculture topics. Students will benefit from learning how to grow their own garden and how to compost. This will also help to support local farmers too. This is also a great opportunity for a field trip so suggest it to your science teacher.

Some institutions are not open-minded but that shouldn’t discourage you from pressing forward. Instead gather your community together for a vegan potluck and see about getting certain individuals to speak at the event. Educating people from your neighborhood is easier when food is involved. Once you start putting monthly potlucks together, word will spread and more people might want to give their time to talk about important issues. Don’t forget to include local businesses that specialize in alternative energy, green business practices, etc.

Starting a program or event at your school or community takes time and patience, but it can increase awareness and provide tips for individuals who don’t know much about living off of the grid.

Tags: back to school, eco-friendly school programs, vegan food, vegan potluck