Small Actions to Make Your School Eco-Friendly in 2025

In 2025, the question is no longer why we need to act. It's how. And 'how to make your school green', truly green, inside and out, is one of the most defining discussions of our time.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, if we are to keep within the safe threshold of 1.5°C warming, global emissions must peak immediately. Not at some distant point on the horizon, but now. That means this year is not just another year; it is the year for decisive action, especially within our schools.

Why schools? Because schools, as we know, are not merely centers of learning. They are vibrant communities where ideas take root, where habits are formed, and where the seeds of change are sown. They offer a powerful platform to demonstrate that small, deliberate steps, when nurtured consistently, can indeed lead to transformative outcomes.

But going green isn't only about climate action. It's about improving student well-being, enhancing academic performance, and yes, even reducing operational costs. A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that students in high-performing green schools showed higher test scores and reported improved respiratory health.

It is within this spirit of purpose and optimism that we pose a simple yet profound question to all of us: How can we make our schools green in ways that endure, inspire, and empower our communities for generations to come?

This, we believe, is one of the most important conversations we can have this year.

Why Schools Need to Go Green in 2025

When we think about climate change, we often picture factories, cars, big industries. But we often miss the fact that schools, too, leave a hefty environmental footprint. Think about buses running every day, lights and ACs on from morning till evening, cafeterias churning out meals, tons of paper, plastic, food waste, etc. It all adds up. Schools contribute significantly to local emissions and waste.

If schools go green, they won't just minimize the environmental impact but also help the students inside those walls. Studies from the Center for Green Schools show that kids in eco-friendly schools have fewer sick days. Healthier buildings, cleaner air, smarter food systems, these things make a difference. Plus, schools aren't just places of learning. They can be powerful leaders in the global climate movement. By cutting emissions, using energy smarter, switching to greener transport, they can inspire whole communities, even help countries hit their climate targets.

So, the question isn't really why schools should go green, but can we afford not to?

10 Steps to Become An Eco-friendly School

Eco-Friendly Transportation

Transportation is one of the largest sources of direct greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. And schools play a big role in that. Think about all the buses, staff cars, and parents dropping off kids every single day. Good thing is, more schools are switching to electric buses. Communities are making walking and biking to school safer and more fun with programs like Safe Routes to School.

Strengthen Recycling Programs

Recycling is something we've all heard about. But if we're honest, there's always more we can do, especially in schools. What works best is when recycling becomes a shared mission, not just another rule to follow. Things like school recycling programs, zero-waste competitions between classrooms, creative upcycling projects, or a composting program for cafeteria waste can really get students and staff involved in a fun, meaningful way.

Also, there's one thing we sometimes forget: electronics. Schools go through a lot of devices, and it's easy for those to pile up. By partnering with certified recyclers, we can make sure old gadgets are handled properly and don't end up adding to landfill waste.

Related Blog: Truth about e-waste

Sustainable School Supplies

Back-to-school time usually comes with those long, endless supply lists. But maybe, in 2025, we can pause and think about how we approach it. There are so many better, sustainable school supplies now, like the Eco-friendly backpacks, laptop sleeves, etc. Schools can even host supply swap events, giving gently used items a new life.

And when we buy supplies in bulk, especially the eco-friendly ones, it not only cuts down on waste but can save money too. Let's not forget the role of digital tools. Using online platforms for notes and assignments means less paper, and it's a great way to encourage students to think about using only what they need.

And maybe the most important habit we can build is to always take a moment to ask: Where did this come from? And when I'm done with it, where will it go?

Greener Food Choices

When we talk about making schools greener, we can't ignore what's on the lunch tray. Simple steps like starting farm-to-school programs, growing food in school gardens, or offering more plant-based options can make a big difference. But it's not just about what's on the menu. It's also about helping students understand the bigger picture. When we weave food education into lessons, kids start seeing how their food choices connect to the planet, to farmers, and even to their own health.

And of course, food waste is a big part of this, too. Small changes like shared tables, where students can leave unopened food for others, or compost bins in the cafeteria can help make sure less ends up in the trash.

Saving Energy & Embracing Renewables

Energy is a big one. In fact, it's often among the biggest expenses for schools. And it's also a big contributor to emissions. Conducting basic measures like energy audits can help identify areas of energy waste while smart technologies can help adjust lights and heating or cooling based on when they're really needed. What's even better? Students can be part of the solution. Let them lead energy-saving campaigns to connect classroom learning, like math or science, to real-world action. And all of this creates the perfect opening to bring clean energy topics into lessons, helping students see that renewable energy isn't some far-off idea but it's happening right now.

Caring for Water

Water doesn't always get the spotlight when we talk about sustainability, but it quietly remains one of the foundations we cannot overlook. Schools can take some simple, smart steps like installing low-flow taps and toilets, setting up rainwater harvesting, or designing gardens that don't need much watering. Adding water bottle refill stations is another small but powerful move. It not only cuts down on plastic waste, but it also sends a message to students about mindful habits. And when kids get to track how much water their school uses, it turns into a hands-on lesson, they see how small changes can ripple out into bigger impacts.

Greener School Buildings & Spaces

When we think about greener schools, it's not just about making them look nice. It's about creating spaces that are healthier and better for learning. Things like aiming for LEED certification or simply bringing in more natural light and indoor plants can all make a big difference for student well-being. Some schools are even adding green roofs or roof gardens, and upgrading air quality systems, which have been shown to boost both health and academic performance. Every little upgrade helps.

Weaving Sustainability into Learning

Changes are most powerful when they're connected to what's happening in the classroom. That might look like starting an Eco Club, adding climate change topics to the curriculum, or creating outdoor learning spaces where students can connect with nature.

And just as important, teachers need support too. When they get the right training and resources on sustainability, they feel more confident bringing these conversations into their lessons.

Community Partnerships & Funding

At the end of the day, sustainability is really a team effort. Schools don't have to do it alone. They can reach out to local environmental groups, businesses, or apply for grants to support green projects. Even forming a parent-teacher sustainability committee can spark new ideas and keep things moving forward. And let's not forget the energy students bring. When they take the lead, whether it's through projects, campaigns, or competitions between schools, that's often where we see the most creative and inspiring solutions take shape.

Measuring Progress & Celebrating Wins

Lastly, making sure we can see the progress we're achieving. Tools like carbon footprint calculators can help us track where we stand, and setting clear, achievable goals keeps everyone focused and moving in the same direction. It's also a great chance for students to get involved, let them help collect the data, and when you hit a milestone, don't be shy about celebrating it. Whether it's in an assembly, a school newsletter, or even the local paper, those moments build pride and keep the momentum going.

Getting Started || Small Steps, Big Impact

The task of transforming a school into a greener, more sustainable environment may seem too ambitious at first. But progress always begins with a single, focused step.

One of the most effective early actions is conducting a simple sustainability audit. This allows schools to identify quick wins and areas where change is both needed and feasible. Equally important is forming a Green Team. A group that brings together administrators, teachers, students, parents, and even local community partners. When diverse voices are invited to participate, the sense of shared responsibility and ownership grows. From there, set clear, realistic goals for your first year.

Focus on actions that are achievable, visible, and capable of building early momentum. Success, no matter how modest, creates the foundation upon which larger goals can be pursued in the future. It is also helpful to identify and support champions within your school- individuals who are passionate, dedicated, and able to inspire others. These champions often become the driving force behind lasting changes.

And perhaps above all, be clear and intentional in communicating your vision. When your school community understands the direction you are heading, and can see the benefits of that journey, they are far more likely to join you on the path toward a greener future.