Green Up Our Schools is a grant based environmental 501(C)3 whose member schools improve their recycling by at least 50% and divert over 150,000 pounds of organic material from landfill each year.

Green Up Our Schools requires $2,500 to accept a new school into the program. Of this $2,500, $2,000 is given directly to the school to achieve 6 waste reduction project goals over our three-year personalized program. In addition to funding, Green Up Our Schools representatives act as personal sustainability consultants to member schools and develop a close relationship with member faculty support, students, parent volunteers, and district officials. This rapport establishes a clear line of accountability that serves as the driving force for success; as witnessed through the combined efforts of students and leaders, our 2013-2014 member schools improved their recycling by 57% and diverted ~150,000 pounds of organic material from the landfill by composting. Our program empowers students to take control of their schools waste by selecting and managing two waste reduction projects a year with our guidance and adult member support. With all the program offers alone, collaboration with local environmental non-profits and waste haulers provides easy access to the resources our schools need to be successful.  By pursuing waste reduction, our schools benefit threefold with the increase in, or introduction of, environmental education, by achieving a 50% or greater reduction in the amount of material sent to landfill each year, and by empowering youth to pursue, promote, and educate their peers and superiors on, sustainable efforts.