Overall, Stratford does an admirable job promoting recycling. But I believe we can take the green initiative a step further.

he school has an established ecology club that has made great efforts from positioning recycling bins in the lunchroom and boxes for recycling paper in classrooms. The club also has promoted a Stratford water bottle to discourage plastic bottle usage, acquired water bottle refill stations, and a reusable canvas bags. All are great additions in the effort to reduce Stratford’s carbon footprint.

I believe it’s Stratford’s duty to educate its students on being mindful of waste and using resources effectively, and promoting a greener school is essential in teaching this lesson.

One easily-instituted change would be a recycling bin for the plastic grocery bags that students use to bring lunches.  A few more recycling bins around the school also would be beneficial.

It is important to start educating students early in their school career about using resources efficiently and reducing unnecessary usage. Taking more field trips could make that experience more exciting. The ecology club in years past has been camping, kayaking, participated in the Ocmulgee River cleanup, and continues to cleanup litter. Reintroducing some of those excursions might draw additional interest to ecology.

By composting and growing a garden, Stratford found another interactive way to promote green living and get students involved and the continuation of this project would be constructive.

Long term, it would be enriching if the school could incorporate solar energy by acquiring solar panels. They could be a big draw and  a great learning opportunity for the students.

Other schools have participated in electronic drives promoted by Best Buy which might be a constructive experience.

Stratford also could make environmentally friendly suggestions for back to school shopping.

Not only is a green initiative important for the environment, it can also save schools money.  By cutting down the use of utilities when unnecessary, bills are much lower. Stratford has been able to replace light bulbs with more efficient, greener options.

Schools can also be recognized for their efforts in this frontier by being awarded a green ribbon.

Going green is a necessary adjustment to teach students the importance of valuing our planet and making the most of what we are given rather than encouraging excess. Not only is this a valuable educational lesson, but it saves money and can set the school apart.

Assistant Principal Mrs. Theresa Ferrari, advisor for the ecology club, said she “would love to see Stratford invest a stronger commitment to reducing consumption of everything from paper to energy and water.”