Green Tips #13 – Select a Pilot Project

By Jason Giovannettone, Director of Climate and Sustainability for the Sisters of Mercy

Step 4: Select a Pilot Project from Your Eco-Action Plan

Previous green tips have covered three of the actions that are essential towards improving and enhancing your school’s sustainability efforts:

  1. forming or expanding a green team,
  2. conducting a detailed audit, and
  3. creating an eco-action plan.

After completing your eco-action plan and prior to moving forward on a host of projects, select a high priority project that is likely to be a success. Success can depend on several factors related to finances, permitting, effectiveness, community acceptance, visibility, and future maintenance. Also think about how implementation might impact other sustainability concerns, especially those related to the sourcing of materials (e.g., environmental justice issues related to mining, destruction of critical habitats, etc.). Please note that this project is intended as a pilot, and the lessons learned will help inform future projects.

With the goals of the eco-action plan in mind, this is an opportunity to establish baseline measurements for future progress. Thoughtfully consider how frequently data will be collected and how it will be shared within the community and beyond. Strong visuals can help communicate impact clearly. Good luck!

What eco-action projects are unfolding in your school communities? Let us know at mercyedu@sistersofmercy.org.

Quick Tip for Schools: Dry-Erase Markers

Did you know?

  • It is estimated that over 400,000,000 dry-erase markers are thrown away each year.
  • It is projected that the market for whiteboard markers will grow by about 6% from 2023 to 2030.
  • Dry-erase markers last longer if stored with the tip down.

What can I do?

In addition to storing your markers with tip down, consider purchasing refillable aluminum markers, such as those made by AusPen.

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