Keeping Clean, Saving Dollars and Being Green
by Jane Clabaugh
Overlook Middle School 8th Grade Math Teacher
October 19, 2009
As a teacher at Overlook Middle School, I continually look for ways to do those ‘extra jobs’ effectively, inexpensively and in a way that is environmentally friendly. One task I face is the cleaning of student desks. Although the maintenance department does clean the desks periodically, the frequency of these cleanings should be on the increase. Middle school is not just paper and pencils but many other activities as well. Our desks take a beating and need cleaned often. Our desks are the main infectious surfaces left behind by any student who may be ill.
For the last 2 years, I have been purchasing the ready-made disinfecting wipes for my classroom, and our Grade Level Teams ask for parental contributions as well. It makes for a quick clean of the desks and other surfaces. However, since the Overlook Green Movement began to positively affect our attitudes towards the environment, tough economic times, and also the H1N1 precautions, I kept thinking, “ there has to be a better way!”
I searched the internet and ran across a “recipe” for homemade baby wipes with paper towels and circular dispensers. This seemed like a doable project with disinfectant.
So the Clabaugh household got busy trying different variations, searching for just the right container, the proportion of disinfectant and water as well as the strength of paper towels. After many tries we got the mix right, but the containers were still an issue. The very large containers of disinfecting wipes were perfect, but an expensive purchase. We were thinking more than just for ourselves, as we both work in schools. “How can we find a container that isn’t going to break the budget from the start?” On a visit to Wal-Mart, I found a perfect container in the wipe section. Pure and Gentle Wipes for the low price of $2. It dispenses the paper towel wipes effectively, and with a bit of contact paper, the container can be personalized.
We have made several of these wipes and sent them out to various places as samples. I keep them in my kitchen and bathroom for quick clean-ups. It is just like using paper towel and spray, but much easier. And we love them in the Faculty room at Overlook for wiping down the tables and spills!
Last year, a group of talented and relentless 8th graders, worked to start the Green Movement. This club is involved with Overlook’s sustainability efforts. Through persistence, they finally brought single stream recycling to our building-something the faculty had been trying to do for years! One possible project for our group is to supply every classroom with a container of these ‘green’ wipes. So I am sending out a request for recycled containers with lids. We would prefer ones that are about 5 inches in diameter.
Below is the “recipe” for the wipes for you to try at home…Enjoy saving some money, keeping clean and green!
Homemade Disinfecting Wipe “Recipe”
Materials Needed:
Large circular wipe container (about 5 inches in diameter)
Strong full size paper towels (NOT Select a Size)
Disinfectant(liquid) of choice (be sure it is not a skin irritant)
Electric carving knife, or some creative way to cut paper towels
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Cut paper towel rolls in half.
Squeeze and compress the 1/2 roll to fit in the container.
Mix about 2 cups water and 1 cup disinfectant.
Add liquid. Soak several hours, and then carefully remove the cardboard tubing. Feed the wipes from the center of the roll.
Editor's note: If you have any empty containers of the size mentioned above, please send them in to Overlook Middle School to the attention of Jane Clabaugh or put in the Westminster Vine bin at Meetinghouse or Westminster Elementary Schools and we will make sure she gets them.
Oakmont Green
by David Uminski, Principal and Greg Smith, Assistant Principal, Oakmont Regional High School
October 8, 2009
Reprinted with permission
Oakmont Regional High School has been involved in a number of Green Initiatives for many years. We have been recycling paper and plastic products through our Technology/Engineering classes. We have reduced our electricity use simply by turning off some of our hallway lights. As a result of the renovation an efficient air handling system to filter the air and maintain consistent temperatures throughout the building was installed and is utilized. This system is computer operated and can be adjusted based on what parts of the building are being used.
This summer our custodial staff installed new paper towel dispensers throughout the building that are touchless, addressing health concerns, and control the amount of paper being dispensed. The Junior Class is recycling old cellphones.
A few years ago a group of students under the direction of the Science and Technology Education Departments, began researching the use of solar power at Oakmont. They looked at the technology of how it works, the identification of funding sources and the feasibility of converting Oakmont to solar power. Their work is continuing today as the Science and Tech Ed Departments continue to explore and test different alternatives to meet the long term energy needs of our school.
We have a core group of students currently working on environmental issues and our Science Club may incorporate alternative energy projects into their program. We have recently provided professional development for teachers about solar power and other alternative energy sources.
Michael Warenda and Michael Lastella from SouthPoint Energy led a presentation to our Science, Tech Ed and Math teachers on September 21 about solar power: its history, photovoltaic technologies, and most importantly, how solar power can be incorporated into their lessons and how student learning can be assessed through authentic activities involving this technology. Stan Herriot of Ashburnham Municipal Light will make a presentation about other alternate energy forms (specifically wind power) during our next professional development session to the same group of teachers on October 9.
We are very excited about the prospect of using alternative energies at Oakmont. There will not only be environmental and financial benefits, but our students will be able to practice 21st century skills in a curricula and co-curricula setting here at our school.