The Trash Free Schools Project
The End-Game:
Trash Free Schools ‘Dream School’
Some have asked what the end-game result looks like for the Trash Free Schools Project.
While at first that might seem difficult to answer because schools have different cultures,
systems, and management, we think providing an ‘end-game’ idea is helpful. The nature of
‘improvement’ is cyclical, and so is the TFS Project. However, in order to ensure a trash-free
watershed, we must institute the importance of and provide access to environmentally
responsible waste management for our youngest generation. Here is an outline of what a
‘dream school’ would look like:
Dedication, Management, and Planning
 The TFS Pledge signed by Principal and Green Team Leader.
 Green Team formed and meets regularly.
 School has a ‘Champion’ of the TFS Project and Recycling Coordinator.
 Environmental Action Plan written by Green Team.
 Has copy on site, understands, and follows their jurisdiction’s recycling rules. Knows
their jurisdictional resources and who to call in emergencies.
Communication and Awareness
 A Stakeholder’s Communication Plan is in place and used reliably.
 Teachers, Staff, Parents, and Custodians informed of Environmentally Responsible
Waste Management at school.
 School population has a rate of 100% Awareness of Litter and Recycling.
 Potomac Watershed Regional Litter Prevention Campaign implemented.
 School has effective Recycling Education Signs and Announcements.
Hardware and Access
 Recycling and waste management hardware inventory (bins and dumpsters) is
satisfactory and serviced regularly.
 School has a Recycling System and consistent hauling service.
Celebrations and School Activities:
 Kick-off event planned and completed every few years to accommodate attrition.
 Springtime Schoolyard or nearby stream Cleanup registered with Annual Potomac River
Watershed Cleanup.
 School-wide Celebration of Earth Day, Arbor Day, America Recycles Day, or other
planned festivities.
 End-of-year Celebration planned and completed.
Assessing, Reporting, and Continued Monitoring
 Baseline Waste Assessment planned and completed.
 Tracking/Progress Monitoring system chosen and in use.
 Annual Trash Free Schools Report Card Submitted online at TFS website.
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Alice Ferguson Foundation
www.fergusonfoundation.org
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The End-Game: Trash Free Schools ‘Dream School’
Integration into Curriculum and Experiential Learning
 Annual trip to Hard Bargain Farm (K-8th) planned for various grade levels
 Schoolteachers attend Teacher Training Institutes each summer at Hard Bargain Farm.
 Older students participate in Bridging the Watershed program (6-12th) and teachers
trained on its curriculum integration.
 Lessons on Environmentally Responsible Waste Management included in all grade-level
lesson plans.
Community Engagement
 Other partnership sought with organizations to bolster other environmental initiatives
such as school gardens access to healthy foods, clean air, clean water, energy
efficiency, toxic substance awareness, etc.
 Participating Trash Free Schools network and provide support to one another.
Alice Ferguson Foundation
www.fergusonfoundation.org
p. 2