The Solution-Pollution Prevention
in Schools
Mercury is just one of many opportunities
for you to help you achieve a
Pollution-Free
School
Eliminating mercury in schools fits into the
overall philosophies of waste minimization and pollution
prevention. By reducing hazardous materials and wastes at
the source, you are taking the most effective step towards
eliminating pollutants that would otherwise be released
to the environment. Schools are highly visible members of
the community, and waste minimization provides the opportunity
to set an example for the community, even if a school generates
relatively little waste.
Practicing waste minimization and pollution
prevention in schools teach environmental responsibility.
By emphasizing the importance of these approaches to their
students, teachers can help instill habits that will be
of value the rest of their lives-in the laboratory, on the
job, and at home. Hazardous materials such as mercury can
also be hazardous to students and teachers, as well as to
the environment. If you reduce the quantity of hazardous
substances they handle, you reduce the hazard.
There are many resources available to make
this easy, educational and fun for teachers and students.
Use the following checklist to identify potential problem
areas and waste reduction activities. Then consult some
of the resource guides listed below to get more information
on practicing pollution prevention at your school.
Waste Reduction
Checklist for Schools
Assessment
Checklist for Schools from NEWMOA
Environmentally Preferrable
Purchasing - a powerpoint overview
from Kelly Luck, INFORM
RESOURCES FOR REDUCING WASTE AT YOUR SCHOOL
Pollution
Prevention Toolbox: Tools for Helping
Teachers Integrate Pollution Prevention Concepts in the
Classroom (Grades 6-8)
Reducing
Pesticide Use in Schools
Vermont
School Lab Chemical and Mercury Clean-Out Project
The Fourth "R": An Action Booklet for Waste
Reduction and Recycling in the Classroom and School. (PUBL-IE-035
93 REV) Available from the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources
Resources
for Schools - A six page handout
available from U.S. EPA Region 5 (312-353-2000)
Waste
Reduction in Schools - Bibliography
prepared by Illinois Waste Management Research Center
and Waste Reduction in Schools
P2E2
Goes to School:
A Pollution Prevention and Energy
Efficiency Program for Middle School Students. A 31
page booklet available from The Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection.
Safe Chemical
Storage in Schools Pilot Project by
Illinois Department of Public Health
Chemical
Health and Safety Resource for Schools - Cheminfonet
Laboratory
Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention: A Guide for
Teachers
|
UW-Extension