PS 166 is Going Green!

PS 166 is one of four New York City public schools to have enrolled in the Green Cup Challenge 2010, sponsored by the Green Schools Alliance. The Challenge is an inter-school energy conservation competition which helps schools to measure their energy usage and find ways to reduce it, while cutting greenhouse gas output, and saving money. The Challenge takes place in New York from January 15th to February 12th 2010.  To date, some 200 schools in 22 states have signed on.  In 2009, 120 schools in 24 states reduced their aggregate carbon emissions by 2.5 million pounds: the equivalent of taking 220 cars off the road for one year!  PS 166 has already reduced its electricity consumption by over 38%, and saved $200 in one week!  Children at PS 166 have made signs reminding everyone to "turn off lights" and "power down computers."  Each classroom has two "Climate Captains" who ensure that lights are turned off at lunch and recess, thermostats are set to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and computer monitors are turned off when not in use. PS 166 hopes to reduce its electricity use by 10% during the Challenge and beyond!  Assembly Member Danny O'Donnell will help to close out the Green Cup Challenge at PS 166 on February 12th with a school-wide Assembly.