Green Habits, Green Earth

How a school in Brooklyn learns about conservation.

When it comes to preserving the environment, every little bit counts. That’s the philosophy at Public School 254 in Brooklyn, New York, which is becoming more environmentally friendly each day. For example, the students here learned about how they could participate in Earth Hour from the science teachers.

On March 28, 2009, the world celebrated the first Earth Hour. During Earth Hour, people around the world were asked to turn off their lights and TVs for one hour—from 8:30 p.m. through 9:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

The lights in my classroom at P.S. 254 are usually off even during the day. We are taught at school to preserve and conserve all the time.

The school’s principal, Linda Alhonte, is encouraging teachers to discuss Earth Day, which is April 22, with their students. My science teacher set up a trip to Marine Park for the occasion. There, we plan to meet with a naturalist named Steven Brill. He will explain how to identify different trees and plants and how to know which are edible and which are not.

P.S. 254 is getting greener every day. At lunch, we are encouraged to throw our milk containers into recycling bins. And teachers are making sure we learn about the importance of the earth and how to preserve it.

Anyone can help our planet by planting a tree, turning off unneeded lights, or even by walking to school instead of riding in a car. What does your school do to help the environment? Post a comment, we’re eager to hear your answer. And remember, turn off all your lights for one minute at 9 p.m. on April 22, Earth Day!

—Alan Gelman

Photo: Kid Reporter Alan Gelman learns recycling habits at his school in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo courtesy Alan Gelman)

Comments

[Kid Reporter Gopa P.]

Hi Alan!
Wow, your school did so much! Even though it is a pretty small thing, I think it was really cool to participate in Earth Hour and actually learn about it too. Our school is going to watch Disney's Earth in celebration for Earth Day. Go Green!

[Kid Reporter Mariam E.]

I think it's great that your school does so much to help the environment. Keep it up!

[Joe]

Hey Alan, It's awesome that your school likes to conserve energy, and It must have been cool to have been a part of Earth hour, which for you, you do it every day. i want our school to be more like yours.

[Josh]

I also go to PS 254 and I completely agree with what you said. I do think that kids in our school trying to make a difference in saving the enviroment.

Good article, thank you

[Roshan]

Hi,Alan go to P.S.254 too and I completely agree with what you say!By the way have a nice summer!!!!!!!

[Roshan]

Now im trying to help the earth a lot too and I try to convince my family to do the same!