Why should I GREEN my child care center?
Posted by: teriatpersoft on: August 26, 2008
Why should I, you ask yourself, with everything I have to do–things mandated by law to maintain my center license and things I do for my children and staff because I care about their health and welfare–why should I GREEN my child care center?
Because you will be offering an alternative, healthier option for parents who actually care about the environment that daily impacts their children. ”Common chemicals can have adverse affects on certain kids, making those parents vigilant in choosing only facilities that are green. A growing number of families are also asking additional questions about use of pesticides, paint, lead in toys, cleaning products and foods served. After all, kids in full-time care can spend 40 hours there every week, making these questions valid.” (Source: Before you Choose Child Care: Check Out the Green Factor)
Share your ideas, tips and any links you find on “greening” your childcare center here. What have you found that works for you?
The Oregon Environmental Council put together an Eco-Healthy Child Care program encouraging centers to take measures like buying only non-toxic art supplies, restricting aerosol sprays and chlorine bleach, and no wall-to-wall carpeting. The Eco-Healthy Child Care Checklist offers 25 easy-to-follow steps that will immediately benefit the health and wellbeing of all children in your care. http://www.oeconline.org/resources/publications/kitsandtipsarchive/2007EHCCChecklist
While you are greening your child care center environment, green your child care center management. Childcare Manager software means less paper, less waste. Less time spent on bookkeeping means less resources used–both electrically and personally–so those resources, namely your time, is going to the children and parents. Check out Childcare Manager: http://www.childcaremanager.com What better way to teach children about the importance of living green than by your example?
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