Sustainability & Wellness Council
The Wellness & Sustainability Council is happy to announce that on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, the Cranbury Township Board of Education re-adopted the District Sustainability Policy (POL 7461).
The Board of Education desires to conduct its operations and make decisions with identified sustainability priorities that include at a minimum: protecting students, staff, and community from environmental harm; preparing students for the future by educating for sustainability (knowledge of concepts and practices of environmental, social, and economic responsibility and sustainability); and include an intent to preserve current and future resources.
Having a district sustainability policy is important because, by incorporating sustainable practices into school policies and operations, we can make an immediate impact on student health, academic performance, and teacher retention, while decreasing operational costs and demands on natural resources. To view the Sustainability Policy in its entirety, click here.
The Board of Education authorizes the following sustainability practices to be implemented within the schools of the district:
- Professional Development for Sustainability
- Green Purchasing
- Classroom Chemical Purchase, Storage, and Disposal Policy
- Green Cleaning Policy and Plan
- Promoting Physical Activity
- Safe Routes to School
Professional Development for Sustainability
Professional development for sustainability will provide a general understanding of the benefits of sustainable schools as well as specific information and guidance on undertaking some aspect of sustainability practices from planning to operations. Sustainability training includes courses or workshops on a topic related to sustainability in schools, from leadership, planning, policy, and curriculum development to teaching, enrichment, food service, transportation, and facilities management.
Green Purchasing
Green purchasing is the coordinated purchasing of goods and services to minimize impacts on human health and the natural environment. Alternatives exist for many products used by schools that are less hazardous, save energy and water, and reduce waste. The district will attempt to purchase, in accordance with the provisions of applicable purchasing laws: green cleaning supplies; green cleaning equipment; recycled paper; energy efficient appliances; and/or equipment purchases and green cleaning training.
Classroom Chemical Purchase, Storage, and Disposal Policy
The Board of Education requires outdated chemicals used in the school district as part of the school district’s Chemical Hygiene Plan are routinely removed from school grounds and future purchases will attempt to curtail or eliminate storage of unneeded chemicals.
Green Cleaning Policy and Plan
A well-designed Green Cleaning Program will be designed to reduce harmful chemical exposure and yield positive benefits for students, custodial staff, administrators, teachers, and the environment by protecting the environment; providing a healthy learning and work environment; increasing the lifespan of facilities; and protecting the health of custodial, maintenance, and building staff. The school district’s Green Cleaning Program will incorporate green cleaning products and equipment as well as staff training; engage parents, students, and school organizations in the program implementation; and follow a comprehensive plan that articulates strategies for key building areas including classrooms, kitchens, gymnasiums, offices, and entry systems.
Promoting Physical Activity
The Board of Education promotes a comprehensive school-based physical activity program that will permit students to safely walk to and from school, to ride bicycles to and from school, and to promote physical activities including recess, physical activity breaks, before and after school programs, intramural sports, physical activity clubs, and use of school facilities outside school hours by community recreation programs.
Safe Routes to School
The Board of Education and the administration will collaborate with municipal, county or State transportation, land-use planning, law enforcement, and other agencies to plan, construct, and encourage the use of safe, accessible, and convenient pedestrian and bicycle routes to and from school. The Board recognizes the benefits of students walking or riding a bicycle to school on a safe route. Understanding there may not be a safe walking or biking route to and from school for every student, this physical activity for a student is both mentally and physically beneficial.