How to Become a SC Green Step School
Form a staff "Green Team."
- Click here to view the Powerpoint presentation "Starting a Green Team at School" by DHEC's Paul Wojoski from the June 24, 2009 Take Action Today workshop.
Attend a SC Green Steps Training. (Check the Green Steps calendar for dates or host a training in your region.)
Outline a vision for at least four environmental projects your team would like to establish over time.
Green Steps Projects should be:
- significant - the project provides both environmental and educational impact on the students and the school community
- of model quality - the project is worthy of a field trip by other schools in your school district, city or county
- well established - successful for at least 12 months
- sustainable - managed by a team of at least 3 staff members
- accessible - up-to-date reports of all projects must be posted on your school's website or an approved website; the specific link (not the link to your school's homepage) should be indicated on your application
Visit our project pages for ideas:
Conserve: Protect: Restore: Energy Air Forestry Green Purchasing Litter Prevention Habitat Recycling Water Soil Reuse Waste Reduction
Decide on one or more projects to pursue during the current school year.
Submit a Green Steps Schools Application (Part A only) for each project during the Fall Semester. If you are pursuing more than one project, you must submit a separate application for each project. E-mail your completed application to heidi@keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org.
Request a mentor for your project. You may suggest someone you may already be working with.
Meet with Your mentor and revise your application(s) as needed.
COMPLETE Part B of your application (a year-end report) in the Spring Semester. Resubmit application to to heidi@keepthemidlandsbeautiful.org by May 1. Attach pictures if you have them; be sure we have permission to print any student pictures you send.
Send representative(s) to the annual SC Green Step Schools Award Ceremony at the June “Take Action” Workshop in Columbia. Plaques are given with stickers to honor each sustaining project. Schools must establish two projects before earning a plaque.
Resubmit applications for each project annually with updated information.
Green Steps Timeline
Fall Semester
- Submit Green Steps Application
- Meet with mentor
- Revise and resubmit application, as needed
Fall Semester through Spring Semester
- Conduct your project; record your successes and areas in need of improvement
End of Spring Semester (by May 1)
- Complete Part B of your application and resubmit