 163 Green Initiatives
Did you know that NYC schools are required to recycle? The Department of Sanitation web site has more information here.
Leap Conservation Club
Did you know that NYC schools are required to recycle? The Department of Sanitation web site has more information here.
Links and More
Did you know that NYC schools are required to recycle? The Department of Sanitation web site has more information here.
PTA's Commitment
The
PTA is committed to continuing our progress in making PS163 an
environmentally friendly facility for the benefit of our children,
staff, community and the earth. Read below to find out some of the
areas that we are targeting, as well as some of the existing and future
programs.
School Wide Recycling Program
A
mandatory school wide recycling program started in Fall 2007. Students
have been separating their lunch trash into large, clearly marked bins
in the cafeteria at every meal. And new classroom jobs empowered
students to bring used materials to designated recycling areas. Parents
can assist in this effort by packing their children’s lunch with
recyclable materials. Future plans include working with the DOE Food
Service in changing the non-recyclable products that are used for hot
lunch.
153 Millions Styrofoam Trays
That is what
NYC public school cafeterias city wide throw out each year and end up
in landfills. That equals roughly 4.25 million per week or 850 thousand
per day! The environmental impact is astounding as Styrofoam takes
centuries to decompose. These trays are made from foamed polystyrene,
which is derived from petroleum. Concerns have been raised about health
issues associated with ingesting food from Styrofoam containers on a
daily basis. Parents have requested the DOE to switch to identical,
non-toxic, biodegradable trays and the answer is "it is too expensive".
While it would add roughly $6 million to the Food Services budget, the
tremendous volume that the DOE orders per year – the DOE being the
second largest food provider in the country – would certainly bring the
cost down. For a city trying to "Go Green!" and an institution that
cares so much about our children's future, this seems to be an obvious
place to demonstrate it. So next time you see one of those Styrofoam
trays in the cafeteria, remember it is just one of 153 million getting
thrown out this year!
If you would like to help with this cause contact xxxx.
Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products
The
PTA is purchasing in bulk environmentally friendly and biodegradable
cleaning products for each classroom. Please consider this when buying
additional supplies for your teacher.
PS163 School Garden Program
The
PS163 school garden program will continue to grow next year. Thanks to
financial support from the PTA, National Gardening Association and
corporate sponsors such as Organic Valley, Smith & Hawken, Ames Tru
Temper, Remember Me Rose Garden, The Scotts Miracle Grow Company and
HSBC, we will maximize our current garden space while adding classroom
support. We are also very fortunate to be partnered with the Union
Square Hospitality Group. They will conduct cooking and nutrition
classes with the children and teach the importance of fresh,
locally-grown produce.
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