Below are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about THE GREEN TEAM. If you have a question that is not addressed below, please email us at recycle@thegreenteam.org.

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 Energy & 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.

THE GREEN TEAM Informational Webinar

This webinar recording showcases how schools and students can benefit from THE GREEN TEAM resources, including free curricula; lesson plans & activities; recycling, composting & idling reduction equipment; and recognition & prizes! We highlight some of the great work that GREEN TEAM students are doing and show you how to locate key resources on our websites. The slides from this presentation are also available.

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

What is the deadline for Teacher Response Forms?

The deadline for submitting a Teacher Response Form will be announced each year and is typically in late March. If Teacher Response Forms are received after the deadline, Certificates of Recognition will be sent to the class, but we cannot guarantee the class will receive prizes.

Can I return my Teacher Response Form electronically?

Yes. Teacher Response Forms may be submitted online, by mail or fax. The mailing address and fax number are included on the Teacher Response Form download

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 all of the previous rewards, a recycling magic show, school-wide 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 sent with the GREEN TEAM kit.

How do GREEN TEAM lessons and activities align with the Massachusetts Department of Education curriculum frameworks?

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.

The Climate Change activities, composting, the Light Bulb Energy Efficiency lesson, the Slash Trash lesson, and the Clean Air activities align with the Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Frameworks.

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 Recycle Smart MA or call your local municipal recycling coordinator. A listing of local recycling coordinators can be found at the MassDEP website.