The Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce that Maine is joining the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools initiative to inspire and promote effective school sustainability and collaboration. The award highlights sustainability practices undertaken at the school, district, or post-secondary institution level that are cost-saving and health promoting.
The U.S. Department of Education developed three Pillars of a green school:
- Reducing environmental impacts, e.g. waste, energy, transportation, etc.
- Improving health and wellness of schools, students and staff through consideration of school food, air quality, physical activity, etc.
- Offering environmental and sustainability education that is authentic, civically engaging and green career preparing.
More information regarding Green Ribbon Schools can be found on the USDOE website, and Maine’s Green Ribbon Schools application should be submitted to shari.templeton@maine.gov.