Frequently Asked Questions

What is THE GREEN TEAM?

THE GREEN TEAM is an environmental club for Massachusetts students, grades kindergarten through twelve, sponsored by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and Department of Environmental Protection. It is an interactive educational program that empowers students and teachers to help the environment through waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, energy conservation and pollution prevention.

GREEN TEAM participants receive educational tools, such as a classroom poster, lesson plans, recycling tips and suggested activities. Each class that takes THE GREEN TEAM PLEDGE receives a Certificate of Recognition and is eligible to win great prizes. Classes that complete more activities advance to the next level and are eligible to win more valuable rewards.

How does my class join THE GREEN TEAM?

  • Submit your completed GREEN TEAM registration form by fax, mail or on-line.
  • A GREEN TEAM classroom kit will be mailed to you. The kit contains a program guide, poster, GREEN TEAM achievement stickers, lesson plans and other resources.
  • Choose an activity to conduct with your students from the GREEN TEAM program guide.
  • For each activity completed, place a GREEN TEAM achievement sticker on your poster.
  • Submit the Teacher Response Form indicating which activities your class completed. 

What is the deadline for Teacher Response Forms?

Teacher Response Forms are due to THE GREEN TEAM project coordinator by March 31, 2011 for inclusion in the drawing for prizes. If Teacher Response Forms are received after the deadline, Certificates of Recognition will be sent to the class, but we cannot guarantee inclusion of the class in the drawing for prizes.

Can I return my Teacher Response Form electronically?

Yes. Teacher Response Forms may be submitted on-line, by mail or fax. The mailing address and fax number are included on theTeacher Response Form.


What prizes are available?

Each class that takes THE GREEN TEAM PLEDGE receives a Certificate of Recognition for their classroom and is eligible to win prizes. Classes that complete more activities advance to the next level and are eligible to win more valuable prizes. See the table below for the prizes available at each level.

Planet Protectors
Level 1 Awards

Conservation Coyotes
Level 2 Awards

Environmental Eagles
Level 3 Awards
"Planet Protectors Certificate"
and entry into a drawing for
recycled denim pencils, book covers, magnets or bookmarks for each student.		 "Conservation Coyotes Certificate"
and entry into a drawing for
all the previous rewards, mini-recycling bin planters, information wheels, or "Green Team" wristbands.		 "Environmental Eagles Certificate"
and entry into a drawing for
a ll of the previous rewards, a recycling magic show, schoolwide recycling performance, or a participatory environmental concert.

          Classes that take THE GREEN TEAM PLEDGE become "Planet Protectors" and are eligible for Level One awards. Classes that take the PLEDGE and complete an activity from Level Two become "Conservation Coyotes" and are eligible for Level Two awards. Classes that take the PLEDGE, complete an activity from Level Two plus an activity from Level Three become "Environmental Eagles and are eligible for Level Three awards. Prizes will be awarded for each Level through a random drawing of classes that completed activities at that Level.

Where can I find a description of GREEN TEAM activities for each Level?

A list and description of GREEN TEAM activities for each Level can be found in THE GREEN TEAM program guide. The program guide is mailed with the GREEN TEAM kit and may also be downloaded here.

How Do GREEN TEAM lessons and activities align with the Massachusetts Department of Education Curriculum Frameworks in Math, English Language Arts, and Science and Technology/Engineering?

Conducting the Slash Trash lesson, holding a Waste Free Day, setting up a school recycling program, holding a rummage sale/recycling drive and creating signs/posters are activities aligned with the Mathematics Framework.

Taking THE GREEN TEAM Pledge, conducting the Slash Trash lesson, creating signs/posters, writing letters/news articles, using THE GREEN TEAM Library, holding a Waste Free Day, setting up a school recycling program, and holding a rummage sale/recycling drive are activities aligned with the English Language Arts Framework.

Composting and worm composting are activities aligned with the Science and Technology/Engineering Framework.

What do I do with the Press Release?

The press release was developed to give you an opportunity to highlight the good work your class is doing to protect the environment. We suggest filling in the appropriate information (school, grade, community) and submitting it to your local newspaper.

How do I find out more information about recycling in my community?

To learn more about recycling in your community, visit www.CLEANUP.org or call 1-800-CLEAN UP or call your local municipal recycling coordinator. A listing of local recycling coordinators can be found at the MA DEP website.