The search is on for the greenest school is America! Sponsored by ALL small & mighty detergent, the contest is searching for the school with the most eco-friendly students and families. In an era where it is increasingly important that we teach our children to conserve natural resources and protect our environment, a little instant gratification can go a long way to encourage life-long habits. Through this contest, ALL small & mighty wants to encourage students to develop eco-friendly habits and join them in protecting our environment.

The contest has several “parts” that must be completed. First, each student’s parent(s) must register at the contest site and fill out an Eco-Report card for their family. You can register at http://www.gogreenwithall.com/contest.register/. Upon completion, you will be directed to the Eco-Report card directions. Each student receives points for how eco-friendly their family lives. These points are then credited to the child’s elementary school.

After completing the report card, your child has the opportunity to share their own eco-story. They may write a short essay about their own eco-friendly cause and/or efforts. A photo of your child may be included. This portion of the contest is optional; however, your elementary school receives points for both the Eco-Report card and the students’ eco-stories.

You can check to see if your child’s school is participating in the contest and see how your school ranks against other schools across the nation at http://www.gogreenwithall.com/contest.ranking/. Be sure to let your principal know that you have submitted an entry to the contest. The school principal will have the final decision as to whether the school will accept any prizes won.

What are the benefits of being an eco-friendly school, in addition to saving our valuable natural resources? First, the Grand Prize winning school will win $50,000 to apply towards a ‘greening’ project at their school. Nine finalist schools will win $5,000 to apply towards a ‘greening’ project. Additionally, the parent of every child in the Grand Prize winning school will win a one green iPod Shuffle MP3 player with solar charger and a one year supply of ALL small & mighty laundry detergent. Parents and students who participate in the entry may also have the opportunity to be featured on the Ellen Degeneres Show. For complete contest rules, go to http://www.gogreenwithall.com/contest.rules/.

Promote the contest through your school’s PTA, School Improvement Committee, or with your child’s classroom teacher. Encourage your child to develop eco-friendly habits and incorporate your family into eco-friendly trends. Work together to improve your community, your school, and your world through learning more about green trends and improvements that will make the world a better place to live. Good luck to all of your schools that participate!