Just because we live in a desert, doesn’t mean you can’t have the greenest school in America!  A National contest could reward you and your school for your great eco-efforts - or even the vision for a terrific green program - at your school.  The grand prize is a cool hybrid school bus worth $150,000!

America’s Greenest School contest is put on by IC Bus - the country’s largest school bus manufacturer - claiming to make the first truly green hybrid school bus.  While the average gasoline-powered school bus uses over 1,700 gallons of fuel annually; the hybrid school bus uses around 600 gallons.  Using a lithium battery, IC says their hybrid bus can improve fuel economy by up to 30% and reduce emissions by up to 40%.

To win, just submit an entry explaining what you’d do if you were in charge of making your school a greener, more eco-friendly place.  Your entry can be in the form of a photo collection, music, a video, an essay, or photos of a diorama, collage or piece of artwork. But no matter what form it takes, it must tell the world how you’d make your school experience the greenest in the country.  Check out last year’s winner.  I know one of our schools can beat that!

The top 10 finalists will be chosen, then all of America will be invited to vote online for the ultimate champion. Students of any age can enter (although a parent or teacher will need to sponsor students under 13 years of age). Group or class entries are also encouraged.  March 8 is the entry deadline. See full rules for all the details.

The prize money includes a LEED certfied audit and green makeover for your school valued at $20,000!  There’s even a $3000 scholarship for the winning student or class and $500 in classroom supplies for your teacher!  Check out the rules and get your best green entry together right away!  Wouldn’t it be cool to see a school in the desert take America’s title for going green?  Get busy.

Tags: America's Greenest School, hybrid school bus

Categories: Ideas, Transportation