First and foremost, ‘green’ is a mindset. It is an internalization of sustainability, where people are responsible for what they consume and the waste produced. It is an awareness of where goods and products come from, with an emphasis on local, organic production. These principals guide the social curriculum of GUGCS. Morning meeting, snack, class meetings, school wide functions, and ‘ED’ time will all demonstrate a ‘green,’ holistic approach to living. School culture is an abstract concept without an actual school. There are physical aspects of GUGCS that will be ‘green,’ and these are easier to explain.
Our long term, big picture goal, is to live in our own sustainable, LEED certified space. This isn’t a reality in our first year, as we don’t have the means to do so yet. In our first year, however, we will be physically green in the following ways:
- Organic cotton student uniforms
- Non-toxic paints for student use and on walls
- Recycled and Re-used classroom furniture
- Healthy, organic food options, for lunch and snack
- Greenery (plants, gardens)
- Energy efficient lighting and appliances
- Low energy behaviors (turning off lights, computers, etc.)
- Responsible school waste policy (Recycling, composting, etc.)
- Recycled student materials (crayons, paper, pencils, etc.)
We are fortunate in our partnership with Solar One, a green education organization. They will lead the staff in professional development of effective green practices, as well as reach out to parents at monthly parent meetings, so that green principles connect from school to home. Solar One will also be a crucial part of GUGCS’ “ED” time, working with the Science Coordinator and Classroom Teachers to design interdisciplinary projects that meet NYS Standards while still incorporating themes of sustainability
