Initiatives

School Connections works to improve sustainability in Newton Public Schools. We believe the best way to address this issue is to institutionalize environmental practices, such as recycling, food waste management, and energy consumption.

After our group reached out to the Newton School Committee about the need to improve recycling in Newton’s schools, a school recycling policy was adopted by the committee. Our advocacy was instrumental to include environmental practices and waste reduction when selecting a new food service vendor for schools, and representatives of our group will participate in discussions to improve food quality and sustainability in school cafeterias. In June, we worked with city leaders to submit a MassDEP grant application to support the expansion of the school recycling program. Our group is also advocating for the city’s approval to set up textile recycling collection containers outside of each school building.

Below are more details about the initiatives we have been working on.

We also support another Green Newton initiative: Students for a Greener World.

Schools

Here we share current and past green initiatives at individual Newton schools. Tell us what your school is doing regarding sustainability and the environment.

School Sustainability Working Group

NPS School Sustainability Working Group (SSWG) partners with Green Newton School Connections to improve sustainable practices in the areas of transportation, energy, recycling, and food services in all schools.

Recycling at NPS

At School Connections we are discussing and proposing improvements for recycling in Newton Public Schools. 
* School Recycling Policy (passed in May 2019)
* MassDEP School Recycling Assistance Grant (filed in June 2019)
* Recycling Signage in all schools (in progress)
* Sustainability Coordinator for Newton Public Schools

School Waste Assessment Survey

The Survey was created by the Sustainable Materials Management office in the DWP. It was taken by GN School Connections volunteers and DWP summer interns.

Food Recovery Program

Inspired by the successful Food recovery program Wellesley Public Schools is implementing, GN School Connections is exploring the possibility of introducing it to Newton Public Schools.

Elections 2019

On November 5, 2019, Newton voters will have the opportunity to vote for the School Committee members for the 2020-2021 term. We want to know how candidates approach and prioritize sustainability.