Environmental Awareness
Each person can make a difference in maintaining a healthy and sustainable planet . At Crofton House School , developing an understanding of individual responsibility to care for our natural environment –– locally and globally –– is woven into programming and sustainable practices .
School Facilities
Our community is fortunate to have access to open spaces , gardens and wooded areas on the campus , and everyone is encouraged to use this space . Campus landscaping uses many native plants that are drought tolerant and adapted to our weather conditions . Wood chips are used in many areas , which help to minimize watering and use of fertilizer and pesticides . Natural toxins exist in all plants and students are taught to respect the environment by not picking any living plants .
All campus buildings have been built and / or renovated using sustainable practices to ensure energy and water efficiency . Building lights no longer use incandescent lighting , and many of the fluorescent ( CFL ) lights are being converted to higher , energy-efficient LED lighting options . Many rooms are equipped with motion-sensor lights that reduce the use of electricity . All buildings are well supplied with garbage containers that encourage sorting into recyclable , compostable and landfill options . The custodial services providers ( BEST ) are required to use healthy and green cleaning practices . Finally , a significant part of Crofton House School ’ s environmental awareness is rooted in its use of geothermal energy to heat buildings across campus .
Community Dining
The food services provider for the Community Dining program , SAGE Dining , follows strict recycling guidelines in food preparation and disposal . As much as possible , produce from local farmers and fishermen are used in meals served . A campus garden provides fresh herbs in season for the School . Weekly menus offer a range of food choices , and “ Meatless Mondays ” places a spotlight on sustainable options . Finally , the “ Usage Program ” is designed to reduce food waste from procurement through preparation to dining . Data collected through this program assists SAGE in understanding the food preferences of the students and staff , resulting in menus being refined to prevent and reduce food waste .
Programming for Students
Younger students participate in nature walks at the beach , in the woods or in local parkland . These excursions is bring students into the natural world and provide them with ageappropriate experiences that instil respect and
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