go green rating scale | 1
What is green?
For the purposes of the Go Green Rating Scale, “green” is
defined as safe, sustainable, and functional. Green can apply
to a product, program, process, or site.
Safe in the green context means the elimination of ex-
posure to toxins rather than to physical threats to safety.
A green program will reduce or eliminate exposure to
contaminants (such as pesticides or harsh cleaning prod-
ucts) and to known health challenges (such as respiratory
irritants or allergens).
Sustainable suggests the use of current resources to make
sure our children—and theirs and theirs—will have the
same quality of resources. There are three things that
make a program sustainable: economic viability, envi-
ronmental health, and community responsibility. For
example, you manage a successful business and are respon-
sible to your community by paying fair wages, charging
fair tuition, and acting as a helpful citizen. Sustainability
extends beyond your early childhood facility and encom-
passes the social and environmental impacts of the prod-
ucts you use, including their manufacturing and disposal.
Functional is a fundamental part of green. You might
buy a diaper made by organic-grain-fed moths, but if it
doesn’t work, it isn’t green. A product or practice that
is efficient and durable and that satisfies the desired task
with limited waste fits into the definition of green in this
program. Conditions such as natural lighting and efficient
ventilation are elements of green building because they
contribute to a functional home, office, or classroom.
Cleaning products that are packaged in recyclable bulk
containers that do not pollute during manufacturing, pose
harm from contact or inhalation, or pollute water sources
when disposed of—and that work well—are part of green
This Go Green Rating Scale for Early Childhood Settings and
the companion Go Green Rating Scale for Early Childhood
Settings Handbook (referred to throughout this program as
the Go Green Rating Scale and the Go Green Rating Scale
Handbook) work together to define the most important
elements of green in early childhood programs. They
offer concrete measures and goals; include practical
guidelines that fit your situation, schedule, and budget;
and outline opportunities to improve at your own pace.
References to “staff” are made throughout the Go Green
Rating Scale. “Staff” refers to all the individuals who work
at an early childhood facility. The term “staff” also refers
to family child care providers, who may work alone.
The Go Green Rating Scale is divided into nine sections
or categories, each of which addresses a major aspect of
green. Each section has a goal statement that helps define
desired green behaviors for that section. Some sections are
broken down into subsections that have their own goal
Section 1: Administration
Goal Statement: The green elements of our program are
organized, verifiable, and progressive.
Section 2: Green Living and Stewardship
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Goal Statement: We minimize waste in our program
and promote recycling.