As a teacher, you are in the position of being empowered to propel real change by encouraging your students to be environmentally concious and by instilling a respect for the ecosystem. Here are some suggestions on group and classroom projects that can help you spread the green word! There are 10 eco-friendly choices you can make in this category.

Turn off your monitors

If your computers are on a network or need to be left on for remote access and can't be shut down at night, turn off the monitors.

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Recycle/refill printer cartridges

If you use inkjet printers, buy replacement ink and refill them when they are empty. There are also several programs that will allow you to send in your empty ink and laserjet printer cartrdiges for recycling.

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Purchase recycled paper products

Check out the Earth 911 page for information on buying Environmentally Preferred Products (EPP)

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Turn your trash into crafts!

Okay, so that doesn't really rhyme- but use popsicle sticks, newspapers, used office paper, etc. for craft projects.

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Cut your vampire power!

Vampire Power: Not Dracula, but the home electronics we leave on standby: TV, printer, DC re-chargers and converters… they cost you and the country almost $100 million worth of WASTED electricity each year.

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Recycle everything you can!

You benefit either directly or when local taxes are kept lower by reduced disposal costs.

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Sponsor an endangered species

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Sponsor a child in a developing country

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Use phosphate-free soap for car washes

Whether you're just washing your car at home, or doing a full-scale group fundraising car wash event, be sure to use phosphate free soap. At your fundraising car washes, be sure to advertise that your car wash is eco-friendly to spread awareness.

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Plan a community event

Coordinate an event at work, at your school or within your community that helps raise awareness about environmental issues such as recycling, waste reduction and conservation.

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