Green and Wellness
Green and Wellness
"Schools [can be] leaders in environmental sustainability, giving students the tools to be innovators, and giving them a healthy environment in which to learn and play. Green schools empower kids to make a difference, and teach them environmental and health values that will stay with them for life."
– From ‘Why Green Schools?’
The Green Committee Welcomes You Back
A big welcome to all of the families joining PS166, and welcome back to all of our returning families!
Zero Waste + Eco-School
As many of you already know, PS166 is certified as both a Zero Waste School and an Eco-School. Those designations are supported by an active Green Committee of parents working on issues of environmental action and education, nutrition and wellness, and gardening. Our mission -- despite the difficulties this year presents -- is to create a culture of sustainability, healthy living, and environmental responsibility in our school and the greater community. We remain committed to the importance of hands-on educational opportunities to teach children about nutrition, ecology, and environmental awareness through gardening efforts, educational activities, and community events.
PS166 Gardens
PS166 has two gardens -- the KinderGarden and the Reading Garden. We look forward to regaining access to those gardens, and making them suitable for potential outdoor instruction.
Composting + Recycling
With the longtime support of the administration and the PTA, we spent years working with teachers to help make composting and recycling consistent throughout the school day, and throughout the school building. We hope to modify those efforts to the new reality. We will continue to work with students, teachers, and parents to ensure that waste is reduced wherever possible, and then properly separated into recycling, compost, and garbage. We will also try to help the school minimize the use of single-use plastics.
Other Efforts
Other efforts throughout the year include participation in New York Cares’ annual Coat Drive; an annual Family Fun Fitness Night in the spring, offering PS166 families free fitness classes and healthy food; and Earth Day activities.
We would love to do even more in the future, with your help! If you have any interest in any of these areas, please join us!
How We Do It
Our Conservation Methods
In 2011, PS 166 won 4th place and a $10,000 prize, and saved 23.25% and $2,400 on its electricity bill in just one month through simple energy conservation measures.
- Turning off unnecessary lights
- Raising shades and making use of natural sunlight
- Powering down and unplugging unused machines and appliances
PS 166 is officially a No-Idling Zone. Thanks to a strict new no-idling law passed by the City Council in January 2009, vehicles cannot leave their engines running in front of the school for more than one minute.
PS 166’s Green/Wellness Committee has been distributing green cleaners and microfiber cloths to every classroom since 2009. When purchasing back-to-school and other classroom supplies, we encourage parents to remember non-toxic brands like Seventh Generation and 100% recycled paper products.
Do Your Part
Textile Recycling
While our collection of clothing / textiles for recycling is also still on hold, clothing, shoes, and linens can be taken to the Farmer’s Market at Morningside Park, 110th and Manhattan Ave, on Saturdays from 9 am til 3 pm. In addition, Wearable Collections will pick up from your residence, although there is now a fee, and a large minimum amount: https://www.wearablecollections.com/homepickups
Another option is Pick Up Please: https://pickupplease.org/
Curbside Compost Collection
While we sadly cannot currently collect food scraps from families for composting, we are happy to report that food scraps from student meals will still be collected by the city for composting. Families looking for places to take their food scraps for composting can search this list of current options:
http://bit.ly/NYCdropofftracker
Volunteer
Feel free to contact us with any questions or sign up to volunteer.
Awards
PS166 Awards and Recognition
2013 - Golden Apple Award
“Team Up to Clean Up” Elementary Division, winning a $5,000 prize.
2013 - Green School Award
Special Recognition from on its 2012-13 DOE Progress Report
2013 - Greening the Apple
PS166 was featured on EPA blog Greening the Apple
2012 - Golden Apple Super Recyclers
Honorable mention
2011 - Green Cup Challenge
4th place
2010 - Green Cup Challenge
Our Green Policy
Through our Green PTA Policy, we create a culture of environmental responsibility in our school and beyond. Parents, staff, and children are encouraged to:
- Evaluate the environmental impact of every activity
- Eliminate toxins
- Practice waste reduction and recycling
- Support healthy eating and physical activity
- Implement environmental education whenever possible
Download the PS 166 PTA Green Policy here.
