The products we buy, what we choose to recycle, and what we throw away all have an impact on our environment. Going green at school is a great way to teach children about the ripple effect our choices and behaviors have on the world around us.

Team up with the STARS Green Team to “go green” and earn money for your school through our Green Team program, a fundraiser sponsored by the San Juan Education Foundation.

Through sales of our environmentally-friendly, ethically produced shopping bags and bottles, 100% of the proceeds generated will benefit education – 60% of the profit is returned to your school and 40% will benefit the San Juan Education Foundation. The foundation’s profits will be returned to schools as innovative learning grants.

The San Juan Education Foundation is the wholesaler and individual schools are the retail distributors. SJEF will manage the fundraiser, including product development/acquisition and strategic partnering, as well as marketing, sales and publicity materials for the schools.

For more information about the STARS Green Team, contact Pam Lapinski at (916) 989-0852, or pam.lapinski@comcast.net.

• Strong and durable (16w x 15h) bag for all kinds of shopping.
• 100% biodegradable and reusable, and ethically manufactured.
• Beautiful natural color aptly called “The Golden Fiber.”
• Theme: Going Green to Support Education (Fashionable bags with a clear conscience).
• Retail price: $14 for 1 bag or $22 for 2 bags

• Reusable stainless steel water bottle, 22 oz. Wide mouth, lightweight, odor free, leak proof lid with carabiner, gift-boxed.
• Silver with STARS Green Team logo in green.
• Reusable, washable, attractive, and ethically manufactured.
• Retail price: $15

Learn about how joining the STARS Green Team will benefit your school, while teaching students to protect the environment.

Here are some tips for organizing a successful Green Team fundraiser at your school, courtesy of Twin Lakes Elementary’s Green Team coordinator, Elayne Holder.

1. Sell the program to your PTA/PTO. The key here is to make sure your board understands that it is a 60% profit to your organization.  You can’t find a fundraiser with that kind of return.  Don’t forget that 100% of profits go back into education; 60% to your school and 40% to the San Juan Education Foundation (SJEF).
   
   
2. Commit to adding your logo. When people see that they can get a bag with your school logo on it, they will buy it! If needed, pick one product (i.e. the Jute Shopping Tote) and promote it as the only item with your logo.   
   
   
3. Have a “Go Green and Win Big” incentive.  Have 1 – 3 people go to local businesses asking for donations to support your drawing.  Have thank you letters on school letterhead and with your organization’s non-profit number ready to give to those businesses who donate.  Try to get prizes that appeal to both the kids and the adults who support them (parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents etc.).  Run the incentive for the length of your campaign. 
   Sample donation letter
   Sample list of prizes for family and friends
   Sample list of prizes for students
   
   
4. Introduce the program to the teachers and staff. Ask the principal if you can have 5 minutes at the staff meeting to introduce the campaign, show the products and answer any questions.   Focus on the return to the school and potential return through grants from the SJEF.  Hand out ordering packs for teachers to place orders.   
   
   
5. Introduce the program to the student body. Ask the principal if you can talk to the children during lunch the day or day before the campaign begins.  Focus on the incentive “Go Green and Win Big.” 
   Sample "Go Green and Win Big" flyer
   
   
6. Post information on PTA Newsletter and school Web site.  Include pictures of products, incentive information, direct benefit to school, order deadlines, and contact information.   
   
   
7. Set up a Green Team table. During your campaign have a table set up at the front of school (or where your parents gather) before and after school.  Include order forms, pens, change, samples of products (1 or 2 bags filled), Go Green and Win Big incentive details (including complete list of prizes), Top 10 Uses, and Profit Flyer. 
   Sample profit flyer
   Top 10 uses for jute flyer
   
   At this table make sure to highlight the profit to our organization, who the San Juan Education Foundation is, and the incentive.
   
   
8. Remind teachers, students and staff when orders are due.  Send e-mails, post on Web site and announce at table.  Have deadline 2 days before you want all orders in.  There will always be last minute and late orders.