What You Can Do

WHAT TO THINK ABOUT

Your school has environmental problems if
  • the roof leaks.
  • the building is new or newly renovated and still smells like paint, varnish, or glue.
  • the building smells damp or musty.
  • your child has health or learning problems ONLY during the school day.
  • the building and grounds are routinely treated with pesticides.

See our Tips for School Building Visits and Tours

START A LOCAL GROUP

If your school will not appoint a healthy schools committee, start your own. 

  • As a group, pick the issues you want to work on. Your mission: every child and school employee should have an environmentally safe school. 
  • Ask others to join. Investigate together and share information.
  • Write letters, keep copies, and track responses. See change happen.
  • Celebrate. Say thank you!

Common starting issues: eliminate toxic products; stop bus idling; improve indoor air quality; reduce dampness and stop molds; eliminate lead in paint and water.

START A STATE COALITION

  • Call us for advice on establishing a coalition and prioritizing an agenda. Every state, every city, and every district has different needs.