Spotlight On Mr. Herndon-Schepper’s 1st Grade Class

a Certified Green Classroom

As a part of RE Sources' Green Classrooms Certification program, this stupendous first grade class decided to take on a waste prevention project.

The Green Classroom Certification program is a FREE program that provides teachers a meaningful, simple way to integrate conservation education into the curriculum and initiate sustainable changes in the classrooms and beyond.

Mr. Herndon-Schepper’s class at Carl Cozier recently made a pledge to start composting in the classroom. He said his class didn't have any issues with adopting the new habit and that it was actually very easy to integrate into their daily routines. For their Action Project, the class is making an informational video that they’ll show to the rest of the school in hopes of getting other classrooms to join them in their efforts. Currently the video is under production with filming completed and editing underway. Alex, our AmeriCorps member serving as the Green Classroom Coordinator, was able to join the class during filming. Students were having a ton of fun learning about how to compost, the difference between trash and a compost bin, and the role of worms in the process. Stay tuned for the release of this adorable, inspiring video. 

Did you know…? 

In their lifetime, the average American will throw away 600 times his or her  adult weight in garbage. This means that, on average, each adult will leave a legacy of 90,000 lbs. of trash for his or her children.

Teachers, looking for action project ideas?

Consider the following possibilities:

1. Do a litter clean up around a nearby park 
2. Do a Waste-Free Lunches Campaign in your school 
3. Host a rainwater catchment or backyard composting workshop for parents and teachers 

Contact the Green Classroom Coordinator if you want your class take on any of these ideas or would like hands-on help with another Action Project you have in mind: schools@re-sources.org or call (360) 733.8307.

What does it take to become certified?

The program starts with hosting a workshop in your classroom, which concludes with your class making a pledge to improve some habit or behavior related to your chosen topic. Then the class completes an Action Project, something that works on a slightly larger scale regarding your topic and ideally has a positive effect upon the school or community as a whole.

Finally, your classroom can obtain official certification by sharing your story of certification and the results of your Action Project with the Sustainable Schools Team. Super easy, lots of support throughout, and lots of fun for students!


If you’re an elementary classroom teacher and are interested in participating in this new and exciting program, contact the Sustainable Schools Team at (360) 733-8307 or at schools@re-sources.org.

We look forward to hearing from you!