BY 2020 the Government would like all schools in the country to be much greener. More emphasis will have to be placed on reusing, repairing and recycling and schools will also have to think about their sustainability. In practical terms it means buying an

BY 2020 the Government would like all schools in the country to be much greener.

More emphasis will have to be placed on reusing, repairing and recycling and schools will also have to think about their sustainability.

In practical terms it means buying and using goods and services of that have environmental and ethical standards. And hopefully, where possible, the goods should be from a local source, again cutting down on unnecessary journeys and CO2 emissions.

Already work is taking place in Cambridgeshire to prepare schools for the brave new green world.

Cambridgeshire County Council, working with the Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation, has started highlighting the everyday environmentally friendly products available for schools.

All the information has been used to create a 'Green Choices' catalogue for the schools (and being green, it can be viewed online at www.cceducation.net).

As well as having environment benefits, sustainable buying can also be used to educate pupils.

Schools can use the curriculum to develop the knowledge, values and skills needed to address sustainable consumption and reinforce this through positive activities in the school.

Further help for schools can be found in the sustainable schools area on the website TeacherNet (www.teachernet.gov.uk/sustainableschools).