Continue regular “Waste-free Check-ins” during lunch time to encourage behavior and reward kids who pack a waste-free lunch.

Encourage classes to buy “waste-free party packs” like those sold by Kids Konserve, or create their own. Party Packs include a set of reusable items used at classroom parties, such as plates, cups, utensils, napkins, etc. Instead of having parents spend money on wasteful paper products for your next holiday, Halloween, Valentine’s or other classroom party, have reusable products on hand.

Start a composting system on campus. For more information on composting, visit www.howtocompost.org.

Set up separate trash, recycle and compost bins on campus and assign student lunchtime monitors to ensure the right items go in the right places.

Sign your school up to participate in the “Cool the Earth” program. This is a ready-to-run program that educates K-8 students and their families about global warming and inspires them to take simple actions to reduce their carbon emissions. Get more information at www.cooltheearth.org.

Consider a “green fundraising” effort instead of fundraising programs that rely on purchases of wasteful or non-environmental products. Examples include www.greenraising.com and www.myearth360.com