How to Become an Oregon Green School

Follow these steps:

1. Build a team
Recruit an enthusiastic staff member to coordinate your resource efficiency program and involve students and staff from the start.

2. Get help
Contact your local Green Schools’ coordinator for help with planning, waste audits, educational resources and inspiration.

3. Make a plan
Decide what your recycling, waste reduction and resource conservation goals are and how your school will meet them. Use the Oregon Green Schools application form to help organize your goals and action plan and document your achievements.

You’ll apply to be recognized at the Green, Merit or Premier level. Green level schools meet basic criteria, while Merit- and Premier-level schools have more developed, far-reaching programs and activities.

4. Get going
Involve students and staff in working toward your goals and keep track of your progress. Your Green Schools’ coordinator can help here, too. When your program is underway, send your completed Green Schools’ application to your coordinator.

In recognition, Green-level schools receive certificates and window decals, Merit-level schools receive plaques and Premier-level schools receive Oregon Green Schools flags.

5. Celebrate
Recognize the efforts of students and staff with assemblies, awards and letters of recognition. Share your successes with the community through news releases and other outreach. Your Green Schools’ coordinator can help you with all these efforts.

Each year students and staff from participating Green Schools and Green Schools coordinators are invited to the Green Schools Summit for a full day of celebration, learning and networking.