“GO GREEN!” at School

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind at the start of this new school year:

1. Rethink your school supplies.

• Before buying new, check out which supplies from last year are still usable.
• Shop at your local thrift store for gently used backpacks, lunch boxes and other items that are on your school supplies list. Check out NewAmericanDream.org for more ideas.
• Purchase earth-friendly school supplies like recycled paper, refillable pens and pencils, and durable supplies that will last for several years.

2. Pack a smart lunch.

• Use reusable containers, utensils, refillable bottles, and cloth napkins to pack a waste-free lunch of yummy local and/or organic products.
• Whole fruits come in their own “wrapper” and are healthier than processed snacks!
• Visit WasteFreeLunches.org or TheLunchBox.org for more ideas.

3. Get involved in greening your school!

• Save energy, start a garden, or reduce and recycle waste on campus.
• Get more ideas GreenSchools.net.

4. Plan a green fundraiser for your school.

• Art Auction
• CFL Bulb Swap
• School Swap Meet
• For more ideas and details, check out our Green Fundraising Ideas for Schools guide.

Kokua Hawaii Foundation Resources for Educators

Our grants and programs are valuable resources available to students and teachers across the state of Hawai’i.

Environmental Education Mini-Grants: Support teachers from Hawai’i public schools to help advance their environmental education goals.

Environmental Field Trip Assistance: Bring students to outdoor sites where they can experience hands-on learning about Hawai’i's natural environment.

Kokua Earth Action Projects: Foster student lead initiatives that create lasting, positive change in their schools and communities.

Energy Detective Kits: Guides students to uncover how their school can save energy by solving energy mysteries in the classroom.

3R’s School Recycling Program: Empowers student leadership and encourage reducing, reusing, and recycling on campus.

Inquire now, email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Kokua by Becoming a Volunteer!

We are building our ‘AINA In Schools (Actively Integrating Nutrition and Agriculture In Schools) teams at each of the ‘AINA schools for the 2010-2011 school year. We are recruiting parent and community docents to teach monthly nutrition lessons for grades 2nd & 6th, and garden lessons for Grades K, 1st, 5th. No experience necessary, and times are flexible! Join us in educating the next generation about how to make healthy food choices and how to grow their own food.

Garden Docent Training Dates:

• Honolulu Schools (Waikiki, Waialae, Ala Wai): Monday, August 16th, Ala Wai Elementary School gardens 9-12pm
• Windward Schools (Ahuimanu, Aikahi, Kamakau): Thursday, August 19th, Ahuimanu Elementary School gardens 2:15-5:15pm
• North Shore Schools (Sunset, Waialua): Wednesday, August 18th, Sunset Beach Elementary School gardens 9-12pm

Nutrition Docent Training Dates:

• Honolulu Schools (Waikiki, Waialae, Ala Wai): Tuesday, August 24th, Wai’alae PCS Elementary 9-12pm
• Windward Schools (Ahuimanu, Aikahi, Kamakau):: Thursday, August 26th, Aikahi Elementary 9-12pm
• North Shore Schools (Sunset, Waialua): Monday, August 30th, Sunset Beach Elementary 9-12pm

AINA In Schools invites individual or group volunteers to work alongside the ‘AINA In Schools Team, to open our school gardens by amending the soil, adding compost, and mulching pathways in preparation for the Fall ‘AINA garden lessons.

Fall Garden Parties Dates:

• Saturday, Aug. 7th Ala Wai Elementary 9-11am
• Saturday, Aug. 7th Waikiki Elementary 2-4 pm
• Saturday, Aug. 14th Aikahi Elementary 9-11 am
• Saturday, Aug. 14th Ahuimanu Elementary 1-3 pm
• Saturday, Aug. 21st Sunset Beach Elementary 9-11 am
• Saturday, Aug. 28th Wai’alae Elementary 9-11 am

If interested in any of the above volunteer opportunities, please save the date and RSVP to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

For more info on ‘AINA In Schools click here.