Minnesota Department of Health

https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/schools/

Minnesota Department of Health helps schools with environmental health and healthy schools generally. This includes radon, mold, drinking water, chemicals, and food safety, and broader public health topics. We provide trainings, individual consultations, and written guidance. We also regulate a few hazards.

Locations Served: Entire state

Contact: Dan Tranter

Email: daniel.tranter@state.mn.us

Types of Resources Offered:

Training, Professional or Specialty Advice, Connections/Network, Materials, Equipment, or Products

Cost to the School for Resources Offered:

Free

Best Practices Areas for Assistance:

0. Organizational Leadership

1. Green Team: Participating districts and schools form a green team made up diverse roles and stakeholders., 3. Widespread Communication: District/School communicate activities and accomplishements to families, students, staff, and stakeholders., 5. Green School Strategic Plan: District/School creates a strategic plan and reviews it annually., 6. Community Leadership: District/School contribute their experience to professional and community organizations to foster green school capacity beyond their borders., 7. Advanced Recognition: District/School seek advanced recognition through programs like Green Ribbon, Leed, or others.

1. Reduced Environmental Impact and Costs

4. Material Safety: District/School has very little hazardous waste and safely manages it., 5. Water Efficiency: District/School has very little wasted water indoors and in the school yard., 8. Green Product Purchasing: District/School purchases green products such as recycled office paper, low or non-toxic cleaning supplies, furniture built to green standards, or efficient computers., 11. Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience: District/School has planned and prepared for extreme weather, adaptation to changing climatic conditions, and has fostered strong community connections.

2. Improved Health and Wellness

1. Drinking Water Safety: District/School monitors drinking water quality and prevents water contaminants., 2. Indoor Air Quality: District/School has programs to protect air quality such as using a strong ventilation standard, a comprehensive Indoor Air Quality Management Program, an asthma management program, and a no-smoking policy., 3. Indoor Environmental Comfort: School provides comfortable learning spaces in terms of natural and artificial lighting, temperature, humidity, acoustics (sound quality), window views to nature, furniture and equipment., 4. Chemical Safety: School minimizes and manages chemical exposure and handling to protect students and staff from wood preservatives, mercury in devices, pesticides, and other potential hazards., 5. Physical Activity: Students have ample physical education or outdoor time during each school day., 6. Nourishment Access: District/School provides breakfast and free or reduced lunches as needed to make sure all students are nourished., 7. Nutrition: District/School provides nutritious and healthy meals and snacks., 8. Sustainable Food: District/School purchases food with green features such as organic, fair trade, or locally grown., 9. Health Resources and Planning: District/School has health resources (e.g. a nurse or health aid) and has an overall health plan that includes mental health, positive school climate, inclusivity, equity, and safety.

3. Effective Environmental and Sustainability Education

3. Teacher Training: Environmental education training is offered to teachers.