The Green Team.

An environmental program for K-12 schools in Massachusetts. Empower your schools with interactive environmental education resources and one-on-one support.

Get your school involved

Why it Matters

The Green Team.

An environmental program for K-12 schools in Massachusetts.

Empower your schools with interactive environmental education resources and one-on-one support.

Get your school involved

Why it Matters

441

Participating
Schools

67,102

Participating
Students

Read our most recent Impact Report →

Here to help you reach your goals.

One-on-one support from the program consultant team to evaluate your needs and find effective solutions.

Lesson plans

Lesson plans are aligned with K-12 schools in Massachusetts.

Recycling Equipment

You may qualify to receive recycling and composting bins.

Idle Reduction

Idle Reduction Signage to support idling reduction efforts in schools.

Recycling Signage

Download effective recycling and composting signage.

Check all details →

Our Mission

The Green Team empowers students and teachers to help the environment through waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, energy conservation and pollution prevention.

About the green team

FAQ →

Hundreds of schools. Tons of waste diverted.

“This was an amazing educational experience for all of the students involved. The Green Team is a WONDERFUL resource, and we are lucky to have you here in MA!“

Minuteman Vocational Technical High School, Lexington

Jennifer Ganley

Spanish Teacher

“The Green Team activities connected the dots. Where our food is coming from, how much effort and resources go into it, and why food is not trash. Students felt very empowered because a simple action has such a big effect!”

Foster Elementary School, Hingham

Christin Eigenmann

Parent Volunteer

“I can’t thank the Green Team enough for being a major component in the smooth roll-out of our Zero Waste Program.”

Lawrence Family Development Charter School, Lawrence

George Masterson

STEM Coordinator

“The Green Team students and the entire school community has benefited from these activities as they have beautified the school grounds through litter cleanups, helped reduce waste in the cafeteria and classrooms, and educated the school community about action we can all take to protect our planet.”

Ottoson Middle School, Arlington

Rachel Oliveri

School Sustainability Coordinator for Arlington Public Schools

why it matters

When you implement environmental programs like The Green Team, you can positively impact your community, your school, families, and teachers.

✔ Navigate waste ban thresholds & regulations.

✔ Understand Recycling Dividends Program Funds (RDP)

✔ Provide teachers with curriculum and resources to support their classroom instruction.

✔ Educate and inspire students to feel empowered and make positive change in their communities.

Get your school involved

How it works

The Green Team environmental program, funded by MassDEP, welcomes teachers, faculty, volunteers, and administrators to participate and make a difference.

01 Register your school.

Start by filling out the registration form.

02 Get permission from the principal.

You will need the principal or lead administrator’s signature to receive free equipment.

03 Receive personalized support.

Once registered, you will be connected with the Green Team to receive personalized support to meet your needs and no-cost technical assistance to achieve your goals.

Events

View All Events +

04 Mar

Safe Routes to School is hosting an e-bike lunch and learn webinar.

03/04/2026

All Day

Grab your lunch and learn more about the hot topic of e-bikes! From the perspective of community safety, education, and enforcement, join the MA Safe Routes to School Program as we conduct a deep dive into the benefits and concerns surrounding e-bike use.

More Info

11 Mar

Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES) Conference.

03/11/2026

All Day

Nichols College in Dudley

he conference brings together environmental educators throughout New England. Participants, presenters, and sponsors reflect the diversity of the environmental education profession and includes K – [...]

More Info

17 Mar

The 8th Massachusetts Farm & Sea to School Conference

03/17/2026 - 03/18/2026

All Day

It will bring together nearly 300 farm to school advocates from diverse backgrounds such as food service, education, food distribution, farms, and advocacy, to advance a strong and vibrant local food system. Participants will learn new tools and develop new connections to expand food education and local food in school meals.

More Info

24 Mar

2026 MassRecycle Conference & Trade Show

03/24/2026

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Boxboro Regency Hotel & Conference Center

The MassRecycle Conference is the biggest annual recycling and organics conference in Massachusetts, and one of the biggest state conferences in the nation. MassRecycle fosters [...]

More Info

25 Mar

Sixth annual Crossing Guard Appreciation Day!

03/25/2026

All Day

Crossing Guards play an important role supporting our families’ safety as they access schools and neighborhoods across the Commonwealth. Our Sixth Annual Crossing Guard Appreciation campaign begins with a Crossing Guard of the Year nomination process, followed by Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, and culminates with announcing the Crossing Guard(s) of the Year award winners in April/May.

More Info

22 Apr

Earth Day!

04/22/2026

All Day

Earth Day is April 22, as it is every year. What is your school planning to do to celebrate, protect, and preserve our beautiful planet? [...]

More Info

From Our Desk

View All Resources +

Protected: The Bromfield School’s Climate Conversations

This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password:

Ideas to Reduce Packaging Waste in Massachusetts Schools

Discover practical, low-cost ways for Massachusetts schools to reduce waste, save resources, and inspire students. From bulk supply orders to creative recycling projects, these sustainable classroom ideas help teachers build greener learning spaces all year long.

Schools in MA Recognized for their Environmental Work in the 2023-2024 School Year

Every year, teachers from across Massachusetts join The Green Team to integrate environmental education and actions with their students.

Green Team Awards Recognize Outstanding Environmental Leadership in Massachusetts Schools – Press Release

Read the Full Press Release: Green Team Awards Recognize Environmental Leadership in Massachusetts Schools

The Green Team.

The Green Team.

441

67,102

Here to help you reach your goals.

Lesson plans

Recycling Equipment

Idle Reduction

Recycling Signage

Our Mission

Hundreds of schools. Tons of waste diverted.

“This was an amazing educational experience for all of the students involved. The Green Team is a WONDERFUL resource, and we are lucky to have you here in MA!“

Jennifer Ganley

“The Green Team activities connected the dots. Where our food is coming from, how much effort and resources go into it, and why food is not trash. Students felt very empowered because a simple action has such a big effect!”

Christin Eigenmann

“I can’t thank the Green Team enough for being a major component in the smooth roll-out of our Zero Waste Program.”

George Masterson

Rachel Oliveri

why it matters

✔ Navigate waste ban thresholds & regulations.

✔ Understand Recycling Dividends Program Funds (RDP)

✔ Provide teachers with curriculum and resources to support their classroom instruction.

✔ Educate and inspire students to feel empowered and make positive change in their communities.

How it works

01 Register your school.

02 Get permission from the principal.

03 Receive personalized support.

Events

From Our Desk

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