| There is a lot of talk going on these days on | | | | Schools are working hard to be an example to |
| Capitol Hill. The Iraq War, relations with Iran, the | | | | the rest of the nation's school children; one hopes |
| environment, and the No Child Left Behind Act. | | | | that all schools will be willing and able to follow suit. |
| Among all these topics, there is one that the | | | | While there are some who say that the impending |
| school children attending Washington D.C. Schools | | | | troubles in regards to the environment are a lot |
| are most passionate about...the environment. | | | | of hooey, most people agree that we have |
| Getting kids involved with saving the environment | | | | squandered our resources and that it's time to do |
| is not new. For years, we have educated them | | | | something about it. It is ridiculous to assume that |
| on the three Rs - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. In | | | | tomorrow's leaders - those who are the children |
| a continuing effort to raise responsible citizens, | | | | of Washington D.C. Schools, as well as those of |
| school systems across the nation have worked | | | | schools across the United States - can handle the |
| to educate our youngsters on the importance of | | | | problems when they are grown. The problem of |
| working to protect the environment. | | | | the wasting of our earth must be addressed now, |
| Washington D.C. Schools are no exception to this | | | | so that our children can continue the work we |
| trend; they are, in fact, working to see its | | | | have begun. Educating our school children |
| continuation. Many schools have recycling | | | | attending Washington D.C. Schools and elsewhere |
| programs already in place, but when a school | | | | is simply a necessary cog in the wheel of the |
| begins one for the first time, it is very exciting, | | | | progression towards a better world for all. |
| for students, parents, teachers, and | | | | Parents and staff of this member of Washington |
| administrators alike. Local business and community | | | | D.C. Schools will begin the recycling program at |
| leaders also get involved, and the sense of | | | | the end of September, 2007. They will focus not |
| community that is derived from the common goal | | | | only on the three Rs, but also on energy and |
| of protecting the earth is infectious. | | | | water conservation, more healthy and sustainable |
| Washington D.C. Schools Recycle | | | | food options for Washington D.C. Schools |
| Students at one of the Washington D.C. Schools - | | | | cafeterias, environmental outreach and |
| Key Elementary - have begun the new school | | | | community service, bulk ordering of Washington |
| year with an intensive, school-wide recycling | | | | D.C. Schools classroom supplies, green purchasing |
| program. A Green Committee was formed last | | | | of non-toxic cleaners, sustainable landscaping and |
| year by parents and staff in an effort to | | | | an environmental speaker series. While these are |
| promote environmental awareness, action, and | | | | indeed many points for the Washington D.C. |
| education. Raising community awareness is an | | | | Schools Committee to commit to, they are |
| important first step in helping the young people of | | | | necessary. They are integral to educating |
| Washington D.C. Schools understand the necessity | | | | Washington D.C. Schools children about the need |
| of protecting natural resources. | | | | to go green. |
| It's encouraging to know that Washington D.C. | | | | |