Sustainability

At Greenwich Public Schools we are working to identify our environmental impacts and take positive action to drive improvements.  

WASTE & RECYCLING 
Recycling containers are made available in school cafeterias, in classrooms and throughout schools as per legal requirements.  

GPS lunchrooms and cafeterias present a unique opportunity for focused waste reduction and improved recycling. In 2019, GPS, together with Waste Free Greenwich and PTAC Green Schools, implemented a waste reduction program in our elementary and middle school cafeterias. The program featured updated bilingual signage and color-coded bins for sorting, including collection toters for liquids, recycling and trash, and a tray stacking area. In 2023, the program was extended to include Food Scrap reduction and recycling. Share tables and refrigerators were introduced, some schools started food donations and green toters were introduced to participating schools. As of Jan 2025, food scrap collection is operating in seven GPS elementary schools, resulting in diversion rates jumping from 45% to 74% by weight on average. See latest Report.

Resources created to build awareness 

• Zero Waste Video without Food Scrap Collection 
• Zero Waste Video with Food Scrap Collection 
• Ready, Set, Sort! – Food scrap sorting game 

FOOD
Greenwich Public Schools Food Services is committed to sustainability while maintaining fiscal responsibility. We prioritize utilizing local vendors and increasing our use of locally sourced proteins and produce, supporting regional agriculture and reducing our carbon footprint in a cost-effective manner. For further information see Food Service.

GARDEN & GROUNDS 
Many Greenwich Public Schools have on-site pollinator and vegetable gardens which provide excellent hands-on learning experiences for students. They can learn about the importance of pollinators, ecosystems, plant life cycles and food chains.  

Greenwich Parks Department manages the grounds of BOE buildings following the best management practices of organic lawn and tree care.  Parks staff use an integrated pest management approach to avoid using pesticides unless there is an imminent danger to public safety. The Parks Department also places a heavy emphasis on using native plants in the landscape to help local ecosystems thrive. For further information see Town of Greenwich, Parks & Rec.

PARTNERS & STAKEHOLDERS 
The success of these efforts relies on many different people and stakeholder groups working together.

Greenwich Public Schools empowers students to build an awareness and understanding of environmental issues. We support students as they evaluate complex data to make informed decisions and develop solutions and strategies for a sustainable future. 

CURRICULUM
Sustainability topics and themes are woven throughout various content areas of the curriculum, with curricular connections grounded in science and social studies standards. In elementary and middle school, students explore concepts such as human impacts on Earth’s systems, energy and natural resources, water and carbon cycles, weather and climate, resource management, waste reduction, ecosystems, and biodiversity. They also apply scientific principles, evaluate technologies and design solutions aimed at minimizing human impacts and mitigating natural hazards. Sustainability is also a focus on some of the GPS 8^th grade Capstone Projects, based on student interest. 

In high school, the curriculum continues to build upon student learning. In Biology, students focus on the sustainability of natural resources and ecology during their Ecosystem unit. In Chemistry, students explore ocean chemistry and the sustainability of oil and mineral extraction. Environmental Science electives cover various sustainability topics throughout the year, including agriculture, resource management, and different energy resources. Marine Biology electives focus upon ocean habitats, resources and environmental issues.

For more information regarding GPS Curriculum

FIELD TRIPS, CLUBS & SCHOOL EVENTS/INITIATIVES
Students in K-5 have opportunities to explore their local environment and enrich their learning through assured experience trips to the Bruce Museum, the Greenwich Audubon Center and, the Greenwich Botanical Center. Some schools also visit Weir Farm, Tod’s Point and Sound Waters with support from their PTAs. 

At the high school, the Environmental Action Club has been composting food scraps for many years and also works on various projects for the Greenwich community.

PTAs are also encouraged to work with their schools to organize “Green” events and initiatives that are relevant to the values and issues associated with their communities in which they are located. Many of these events occur in and around Earth Day. For further information please reach out to your individual PTA.