:: Friends Academy ::

Environmental Action Plan
Technology & Green Campus
Resources
Long Term Goals
No Idling Policy


	Going "green" at Friends Academy implies more than following current trends that seem to sweeping the nation. For us it means a commitment to change by taking vigilant steps to transform our school into an institution that treads lightly on the earth. The Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and service all lead to the testimony of stewardship. SIMPLICITY tells us that by reducing our use of material goods we lesson our demand on natural resources. PEACE - peaceful resolution of conflict inspires us to extend peace to all life. INTEGRITY charges us that only by being honest about our impact on the environment can we make the changes that are necessary. COMMUNITY - the spirit of community prompt us to work together to make a difference. EQUALITY teaches us that there can only be true justice if everyone can live in a healthy environment. SERVICE compels us to practice good stewardship, to take responsibility for the well being of others, the earth and our school, so that those who follow may enjoy its benefits as well. The Green Campus Committee at Friends is a focused group with parent, student, faculty and staff representation who meet monthly. This group works to advocate and demonstrate environmental principles which generate action to reduce our environmental footprint. The hard work of the committee has sparked a heightened awareness where the community is engaged in finding ways to improve our environmental track record and because of this spirit, meaningful changes have taken place. Friends Academy will serve as a model for other institutions and students as environmental sustainability will be at the forefront of the world they live in.

EARTH DAY IDEAS:
	Driving: One of the most significant steps we can take is to put fewer miles on our cars. Each time you arrange a car pool to get your children from one place another and each time your child rides the bus to school your family is making a difference. Also, start you own personal no-idling policy, whenever and wherever your car is stopped for more then ten seconds just turn off the engine.
	Eating and Drinking: Eat more foods from the outside aisle of the grocery store instead of the inside isles. Those are the foods that are healthier for you and the planet. Start a family water bottle ban. See how many days you can go without using a plastic water bottle of any kind. Remember: it is okay to drink tap water.
	Outside the House: Go truly green by using organic lawn products. If you have a landscaper talk to them about using organic products. The Long Island Neighborhood Network has information on organic landscapers.
	In the Community: Become involved in one of our local environmental groups. There are many different ways to become involved. It just takes a phone call to get started. Friends of the Bay (or 516-922-6666) offers a variety of programs to keep Oyster Bay healthy and clean. The North Shore Land Alliance (or 516-626-0908) works to preserve land all around this area.
	Education: Only when we are educated about the issues can we understand how to make the right decisions. Here are some links to information on variety of environmental issues.
	In the Store: Make the environment part of your decision making process. Buy what you need not what you want.
	Remember, the best way to celebrate Earth Day is to do something. Some action is better then no action. To quote Eleanor Roosevelt, “It is better to light a candle then to curse the darkness.” Once these actions become habit and a part of your routine, you’ll be able to move on to another action.