Safe and Clean School

By Richard K. Green

Local schools with more green space, alternative fueled buses and garden-based natural science programs

Health and Environmental Curriculum Students should be exposed to environmentally friendly curricula and programs as an integral part of their overall learning experience. These should include garden-based science, urban environmental education, community sustainability, and the living planet series. Students should also have meaningful nutrition classes that effectively demonstrate the importance of healthy consumer choices.

More Green Space on Campus Our schools have become paved over, and children are often scolded for playing on the grass. We have a responsibility to develop an appreciation for the natural environment in students. Outdoor learning has proven to be an effective learning model and one that should be integrated in every school where practical. More grass, trees, and school gardens combined with outdoor learning activities can help our students develop a connection to their natural environment.

Healthier Food Options With obesity among school-age children increasing at an alarming rate, schools should educate our students on the importance of eating healthy. Our school menus do not pass the healthy diet test and too many schools have vending machines packed with junk food. We should ban soft drinks at elementary and middle schools and replace them with water and fruit drinks to provide healthier food choices.

Reduce Dependency on Diesel Buses Students in LBUSD live in the `diesel death zone,' and asthma has become a serious health issue for our children. Diesel fuel is a carcinogen, and yet we place our youth on enclosed buses and transport them across town. We should explore alternative fuels like bio-diesel and reduce our dependency on diesel buses.

• *Supports school and community gardens
• *Garden-based science programs
• *Health and environmental curricula
• *Outdoor learning experiences
• *Healthier food options
• *More trees and green space on campus
• *More energy efficient school construction
• *Reduce dependency on diesel buses
• *Use of alternative fuels such a bio-diesel