The U.S. Department of Education this week announced the creation of the "Green Ribbon Schools" program, which seeks to recognize schools that "have taken great strides in greening their curricula, buildings, school grounds and overall building operations." The program seeks to tie a school's pursuit of sustainability to its curriculum, teaching students about the importance of these measures and their effect on the environment as they are implemented.

While this is a broad-based initiative covering green building construction, energy conservation, and more, it is clear that helping schools adopt more savvy recycling and waste handling practices could represent an important contribution. Waste and recycling firms would be wise to view the Green Ribbon program as an opportunity to reach out to schools in their communities and provide guidance.

What are some ways in which your firm can contribute to this effort? Have you already established these kinds of relationships with schools in your area?