The Green Team.

An environmental program for K-12 schools in Massachusetts. Empower your schools with interactive environmental education resources and one-on-one support.

Get your school involved

Why it Matters

The Green Team.

An environmental program for K-12 schools in Massachusetts.

Empower your schools with interactive environmental education resources and one-on-one support.

Get your school involved

Why it Matters

441

Participating
Schools

67,102

Participating
Students

Read our most recent Impact Report →

Here to help you reach your goals.

One-on-one support from the program consultant team to evaluate your needs and find effective solutions.

Lesson plans

Lesson plans are aligned with K-12 schools in Massachusetts.

Recycling Equipment

You may qualify to receive recycling and composting bins.

Idle Reduction

Idle Reduction Signage to support idling reduction efforts in schools.

Recycling Signage

Download effective recycling and composting signage.

Check all details →

Our Mission

The Green Team empowers students and teachers to help the environment through waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, energy conservation and pollution prevention.

About the green team

FAQ →

Hundreds of schools. Tons of waste diverted.

“The Green Team students and the entire school community has benefited from these activities as they have beautified the school grounds through litter cleanups, helped reduce waste in the cafeteria and classrooms, and educated the school community about action we can all take to protect our planet.”

Rachel Oliveri – School Sustainability Coordinator for Arlington Public Schools at Ottoson Middle School, Arlington

“This was an amazing educational experience for all of the students involved. The Green Team is a WONDERFUL resource, and we are lucky to have you here in MA!“

Jennifer Ganley – Spanish Teacher at Minuteman Vocational Technical High School, Lexington

“The Green Team activities connected the dots. Where our food is coming from, how much effort and resources go into it, and why food is not trash. Students felt very empowered because a simple action has such a big effect!”

Christin Eigenmann – Parent Volunteer at Foster Elementary School, Hingham

“I can’t thank the Green Team enough for being a major component in the smooth roll-out of our Zero Waste Program.”

George Masterson – STEM Coordinator at Lawrence Family Development Charter School.

why it matters

When you implement environmental programs like The Green Team, you can positively impact your community, your school, families, and teachers.

✔ Navigate waste ban thresholds & regulations.

✔ Understand Recycling Dividends Program Funds (RDP)

✔ Provide teachers with curriculum and resources to support their classroom instruction.

✔ Educate and inspire students to feel empowered and make positive change in their communities.

Get your school involved

How it works

The Green Team environmental program, funded by MassDEP, welcomes teachers, faculty, volunteers, and administrators to participate and make a difference.

01 Register your school.

Start by filling out the registration form.

02 Get permission from the principal.

You will need the principal or lead administrator’s signature to receive free equipment.

03 Receive personalized support.

Once registered, you will be connected with the Green Team to receive personalized support to meet your needs and no-cost technical assistance to achieve your goals.

Events

View All Events +

15 Oct

Green Team Equipment Application Deadline

10/15/2026

All Day

No-cost recycling and composting equipment, and idling reduction materials and signage are available to registered Green Team members. Your application for equipment must be submitted by October 15th to be considered for [...]

More Info

16 Oct

2026/2027 Youth Climate Solutions Challenge Application Deadline

10/16/2026

All Day

Massachusetts high school students have the chance to design and implement an innovative climate solution that makes a measurable, lasting impact during the Youth Climate Solutions [...]

More Info

28 Oct

MA Farm to School’s Compost, Conserve, Connect: Reducing Food Waste Webinar

10/28/2026

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Compost, Conserve, Connect: Reducing Food Waste October 28 | 2:00-3:00PM | Virtual Presenters: Heather Billings, Senior Waste Reduction Consultant & Marissa Major, Waste Reduction Consultant, [...]

More Info

04 Nov

MA Farm to School’s Teaching About Food Waste Webinar

11/04/2026

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Presenters: Heather Billings, Senior Waste Reduction Consultant & Marissa Major, Waste Reduction Consultant, Recycling Works & The Green Team Learn practical strategies [...]

More Info

15 Nov

America Recycles Day!

11/15/2026

All Day

Get Ready to Celebrate America Recycles Day! Small actions can lead to big impact! Each year on November 15, millions of Americans come together for America Recycles Day – [...]

More Info

From Our Desk

View All Resources +

The Green Team.

The Green Team.

441

67,102