Greens Farms Academy Earns 'Green Ribbon' Award for Being Especially Green

Greens Farms Academy received an Earth Day honor on Wednesday when it was named a “Green Ribbon School” as one of the schools “leading the way in sustainable practices,” the school announced.

The national committee that gives the award “looks for schools that are reducing their environmental impact and costs; improving the school’s health and wellness; and are providing an environmental education,” according to the school.

“Our mission with respect to sustainability is to investigate and implement solutions that lead to a more efficient and low-impact campus,“ said GFA Head of School Janet Hartwell. “Included in this is our effort to engage the entire community in events and education so that they understand how their decisions and actions can affect the environment.”

Some of the sustainable practices at the school include composting in the cafeteria, which is then used by students in the school’s organic garden, use of solar panels and hosting “eco events” both at the school and in the community.

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One GFA program, Seed to Table, “invites students to develop meaningful connections with the world around them through the exploration of food and natural communities,” according to the announcement.

“Food serves as an excellent medium for learning as it permeates our everyday lives and opens itself to lessons on topics such as environmental literacy, culture, health and nutrition, history, and creativity,” said Sustainability Coordinator Jacqueline Tran.

The new Performing Arts Center and Global Studies Center uses recycled building materials and will have a “green roof.”

Hartwell commended the hard work of the school’s sustainability coordinators, Tran and Tamar Cunha. “These two passionate teachers might be found in the classroom, the salt marsh, the organic garden, or working with the recycling crews. They work tirelessly and with good humor to help the whole school be aware of how our actions impact our environment.”

Photos (contributed, along with the captions):

First picture: Sustainability Coordinator Jackie Tran teaches Lower School students how to care for kale in the school’s organic garden.

Second picture: The produce from GFA’s organic garden is used by the food service staff to create lunchtime meals.

Third picture: GFA’s grounds are maintained by Head Grounds Manager & Field Care Specialist Tom Barry. He was recently recognized by the Northeast Organic Farming Association for his dedication to organic lawn care.