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Twenty percent of Americans go to school every day. That’s 60 million students, teachers, faculty, and staff who work and learn on our nation’s campuses. And while many schools struggle with funding, standards, and behavior, the issues of the environment and good health sometimes fall through the cracks. That’s a mistake that we need to stop making.
School buildings are the third biggest energy users. A mid-size school district may spend $1 million yearly on energy, a number that is increasing by around 19 percent each year. Meanwhile, poor indoor air quality negatively affects students’ performance, and schools remain a huge source of pollution and waste that degrades the environment.
As a student or parent, big changes at your school may be unpopular, or seem impossible. The reality could not be further from the truth. For example, did you know that Earth Day is the largest civic observance in the world, with more than one billion participants each year? That’s one in every seven people. Even if you think your school administration may be opposed to your ideas, you shouldn’t let that stop you from getting involved. You’re likely to find more support than resistance.
It’s your school (or your kids’ school) and your life. Take action to protect not just the environment, but the health and future of yourself and your kids.
Bring Back Fresh Air & Daylight
Going to school can actually harm your health. Nearly half of all schools (43 percent) have unsatisfactory indoor environmental conditions, and 20 percent have unsatisfactory air quality. That’s partly due to aging school buildings, but also related to an overall decrease in indoor air quality thanks to reduced air circulation and more synthetic substances in our daily lives. One in ten school-age kids now suffer from asthma, so poor air quality isn’t just an annoyance—it can be life threatening.
Without a doubt, the majority of public schools could use upgrades to help combat these dangers. You can help your school take action to improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to toxic substances for all teachers and students. Here are some ideas to try:
1. Organize classroom cleanup days.
Some of the biggest health concerns lurking in your classroom exists under all your stuff. Cluttered surfaces, cupboards, and corners harbor dust and mold. Organize some classmates or fellow parents to stay after school once a month to declutter. You’ll help reduce asthma triggers, and your teachers and custodians will thank you.
2. Ask your school to implement green cleaning, pest control, and maintenance policies.
Toxic cleaning supplies, pest poisons, paints, furnishing finishes, and even chemical fertilizers and ice melt threaten kids’ health. They’re also toxic to cleaning and maintenance staff. Ask your school administration to seek out green solutions to various issues, including sidewalk weed control, ice melt in the winter months, and cleaning products.
Toning Down Toxic Schools
3. Raise funds for air qual