Consider these tips to make your Lights On Afterschool earth friendly by going Green. Incorporate into your Lights On Afterschool event and everyday after to ensure that your afterschool program makes great strides with a smaller carbon footprint.
For Program Providers
ü Recycle your paper, plastic and aluminum items by contacting your local recycling agency. Have them bring you recycle bins to sort your items. Find your local recycling center by visiting www.recyclingcenters.org.
ü Offer finger foods or serve fruit and veggies on a stick to help reduce the use of paper and plastic products. Serve ice cream sandwiches or popsicles to eliminate the use of plastic spoons and bowls.
ü Take a class field trip to your local recycling center and learn about the different types of ways to recycle, reuse and reduce waste.
ü Post a ‘Green Activity of the Day’ and have students perform that activity during regular- and after- school hours.
ü Use the energy efficient light bulb artwork to show that your program is going Green for Lights On Afterschool. But don’t throw them out after your event! Instead mail a bunch to your congressional, state or local representative and use the rest as decoration for your classroom. Have youth take artwork home to post on refrigerators or in your office.
ü If you school is multi-leveled, try taking the stairs to reduce the amount of energy used when taking the elevator. This saves energy and promotes a healthy body!
ü Print using the draft option on your copier and use both sides of the paper.
ü Recycle your toner and inkjet cartridges! Purchase returnable or refillable toner cartridges.
For Community Participants
ü Walk, ride a bike or use public transportation to your local Lights On Afterschool event.
ü Bring your own mug or glass to refill your refreshments while attending a Lights On Afterschool event.
ü Map your Carbon Footprint (http://www.carbonfootprint.com/) to find out how your daily activities effect the environment in terms of green house gases. Seek ways to lower your carbon dioxide output.
ü Before you toss that glass bottle into the trash can consider this: the energy savings from recycling one glass bottle can power a laptop computer for 25 minutes!
ü While helping wee ones color the energy efficient light bulb for Lights On Afterschool, consider stopping by your local drug store and replacing your home light bulbs with energy efficient ones.
ü Recycle your toner and inkjet cartridges as well as old cell phones!
ü Turn off the water!
Fact: The United States uses about 346,000 million gallons of fresh water every day. The average person in the United States uses anywhere from 100-150 gallons of water per day and much of this consumption is from just flushing the toilet.
ü Turn off equipment and lights when they are not in use.
