To protect and serve

Students interested in getting more green than ever can be directed to the Student Conservation Association, also known as America’s conservation corps. Its members protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces in all 50 states.

SCA holds contests for getting schools to go green as well.

Ongoing programs for college and high school students include national crews for summer projects, community programs for urban high school students, internships, and corps work.

Check out www.thesca.org.

NYSERDA news

Check out these two Web sites from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

• SchoolPowerNaturally.org has details of a program designed to educate New Yorkers about energy and the role solar electric power — photovoltaics — can play. Through the organization, funding is available for activities designed to create a long-term and sustainable support system for technical and educational activities.
  
• An environmental monitoring, evaluation and protection resource page for teachers and students lets you explore power generation and its affects. Visit http://www.nyserda.org/programs/Environment/EMEP/teachers_&_students.asp.

Pass a resolution

You can promote green schools in your community or school district by proposing a green schools resolution. The language of the resolution will vary depending on a community’s specific circumstances, but sample resolutions are available at www.greenschoolbuildings.org.

Simple green tips

Many green ideas are available at www.globalstewards.org. Here are a few:

• Replace paper napkins with cloth napkins.
  
• Old, cut-up T-shirts make great replacements for paper towels.
  
• Print documents on once-used paper or on bleach-free, recycled paper.
  
• Create note pads from once-used paper.
  
• Leave messages for family members or roommates on a reusable message board.