It makes good sense to teach and implement the three R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) at school. Large amounts of preventable waste are typically generated in lunchrooms (think plastic sandwich baggies, squeeze pouches and unwanted food items), as well as classrooms (think paper, paper and more paper). Collectively, kids can make a big difference by taking part in a waste reduction program. In a best-case scenario, children will not only be green at school, but also bring their good habits home and practice them for a lifetime.

To teach concepts most effectively, schools must first implement a school-wide recycling program. This 11-step guide from Waste360 will help. Once your system is in place, take your school’s green routine one step further with the following resources:

• Get inspired by the model of Eco-Cycle’s Green Star Schools Program. Kids in this program aren’t just recycling, they’re aiming for zero waste. Learn more about how to implement a zero waste program in a school with Eco-Cycle’s helpful PDF.
• Conducting a classroom or school-wide waste audit is a great way to gauge how much material a school is sending to the landfill. Step-by-step instructions can be found in this PDF guide from the USDA and EPA.
• Get students motivated by showing them what’s at stake. Encourage them to volunteer at Madrona Marsh and Nature Preserve, where they can pick up trash and help restore the Preserve, home to many threatened and endangered species.
• Get competitive. Have students and staff compete for Bronze, Silver, and Green awards in the National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools Program, or compete in Keep America Beautiful’s Recycle-Bowl.
• For in-class K-12 recycling curriculum, see Teacher Resources.
• Label recycling containers clearly with signs from CalRecycle or Recycle Across America.
• Order a free recycling bin for CRV beverage containers from CalRecycle, and use the funds to support school projects or organizations.
• Recycling in schools is often misrepresented — exceptional instead of everyday, free instead of expensive — says Michele Nestor, board member of Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center. Read her analysis of what recycling ought to be teaching children on Waste360.com.
• Get parents involved. Encourage them to shop wisely for back-to-school items, and pack waste-free lunches. Visit the EPA’s Pack a Waste-Free Lunch for more information:
  
• Devise a compost collection program for lunchroom waste. Don’t know how to get started? Get schooled with this PDF from the Green Mountain Farm to School or this one from ecocycle.org.
• For a thorough guide on how to green schools from top to bottom, check out Healthy Sustainable Schools Guide for Change [PDF].