General School System Policy Regarding the Environment

Whereas the issues of climate change, sustainability and environmental health require coordinated action at the local level by all sectors of government, industry and education, and

Whereas the Board of Education endeavors to fulfill its role as a model for students and as a good community neighbor by participating in public efforts to address these important issues, and

Whereas many of the actions and decisions made by individuals throughout the school district can have a measurable impact on these issues, and

Whereas the school system has the responsibility to protect the health and safety of all students, teachers and school staff,

Therefore the Board of Education does hereby adopt the following policy regarding the environment:
 
Energy: We endeavor to reduce our use of non-renewable energy sources through conservation, and to utilize renewable energy sources when available and practical.

Procurement: We seek to purchase goods or services that reduce the use of energy in their manufacture, use and disposal; have lower transportation costs; contain sustainable and/or bio-based ingredients; do not contain ingredients known to be harmful to humans or wildlife; and that are shipped in biodegradable or recyclable packaging.

Green Cleaning: We endeavor to clean and maintain school facilities with products that are free from known or suspected toxins.

Green Buildings: We encourage new construction and renovation projects that maximize energy efficiency, use renewable resources when possible, and reduce or eliminate environmental toxins.

Transportation: We seek ways to minimize the environmental impact of transportation systems, to encourage the use of alternative and sustainable fuels, and to prohibit idling of all motor vehicles on school property.

Grounds Maintenance: We encourage the natural maintenance of school grounds and playing fields without the use of pesticides.

Environmental Toxins: We endeavor to reduce student and staff exposures to environmental toxins through the use of safe and effective non-toxic products.

Recycling: We seek to encourage active recycling of paper, cans, bottles, books, batteries, cell phones, cardboard and other recyclable materials by students and school staff.

Communications: We seek to educate our students as responsible global citizens, and to communicate this and all other environmental policies and programs to students and staff through written and electronic communications.