What's new with Green Apple Day of Service?

Green Apple Day of Service is a unique moment to join schools across the world in celebrating the central role that schools play in preparing the next generation of leaders in sustainability.

Over the past five years, we’ve seen participation from almost one million volunteers in 73 countries, and our actions have impacted the learning environments of over seven million students. This year, we’ve taken a close look at what’s worked and what hasn’t over our short history, and we’re rolling out some exciting new features for this year:

1. The most notable change is that, starting this year, you’ll register your project at the beginning of the school year and name your own date. The projects themselves can happen at any time from August 2017 through May 2018. However, the projects can only receive official support with funding, volunteers and other resources if they sign up on the website during September and October. We encourage schools to think about the right time for a day of action for them, and we’ll communicate with project leaders based on the chosen date.
2. We have a new website that's been redesigned to provide with more of what you need to create a successful project. Resources and information are available now at greenapple.org, and project registration will open in September. Sign up on usgbc.org to receive updates leading up to the official registration period (check off "Green Apple Day of Service" on your subscription options).
3. The new focus is on incentivizing school staff and teachers to lead action at their schools. They know what’s most needed at their schools, and they’re the ones who will keep sustainability values strong after the day of action is over. We’re making it worthwhile for them to join in: matching funds are available for supplies through our corporate partners on DonorsChoose.org, volunteer assistance is available through our community teams around the country, and fun downloads and planning resources are given to those who sign up. You'll find out more about all of these offerings when you register a project.

Green Apple Day of Service projects create measurable change on one or more of the three pillars of a green school: environmental impact, health and wellness and environmental and sustainability literacy. Each project directly and positively affects the students at a particular school.

Is your school’s Earth Day celebration a Green Apple Day of Service? It can be, if it includes service activities that impact sustainability at the school. Is the annual school service day a Green Apple Day of Service? It might be, if it focuses the service activities on sustainability. The Day of Service is unique because it brings together school service and sustainability on one focused day of action.

Visit our website to learn more