School Connections works to improve sustainability in Newton Public Schools. We believe the best way to address this issue is to institutionalize environmental practices, such as recycling, food waste management, and energy consumption. Some of our initiatives include:
- Partnering with NPS in the School Sustainability Working Group (SSWG)
- Sharing of past and current sustainability efforts at individual schools
- Helping schools to set up Green Teams
- Developing and sharing recycling signage for schools, in partnership with Newton Sustainable Materials Management division
- Advocating for the hiring of a sustainability coordinator at NPS: a dedicated staff person to plan and implement consistent waste management throughout the school district
- Hosting discussions with stakeholders from the city government and elected officials
- Evaluating the possibility of implementing a Food Recovery Program in Newton school cafeterias
- Supporting renewable energy in schools, including solar panels
- Supporting sustainable and healthy transportation in the district, including: walking, biking and increasing bus ridership; no idling around schools; electric school buses
- Advocating for Climate Education from K-12
We also support another Green Newton initiative: Students for a Greener World.
NPS School Sustainability Working Group (SSWG) partners with Green Newton School Connections to improve sustainable practices in the areas of transportation, energy, recycling, and food services in all schools.
At School Connections we are discussing and proposing improvements for recycling in Newton Public Schools.
* School Recycling Policy (passed in May 2019)
* MassDEP School Recycling Assistance Grant (filed in June 2019)
* Recycling Signage in all schools (in progress)
* Sustainability Coordinator for Newton Public Schools
We have partnered with Newton Safe Routes to School to promote more sustainable and healthier ways to go to school. Our initiatives include: Anti-idling campaign Walking and biking to school Increasing bus ridership and electric buses More at: Newton Safe Routes to School and Idle Free Newton
Environmental practices are not institutionalized in our schools; the district needs a dedicated Sustainability Coordinator
Green Newton School Connections is advocating for more Climate Education in Newton schools. Please join us as we work to strengthen climate literacy and justice for our students.