Register Your School for Certification Online!
If your school would like to apply for certification this year, please visit certapp.ontarioecoschools.org to register your school and input the results for your initial EcoReviews by January 31, 2010.

The Guide to Online Certification is updated for 2009-2010 as well as additional certification resources such as Walkabouts and EcoReviews which can be found in certification forms.

Thinking Green Video
Hamilton EcoSchool Cathedral High School was profiled by 100 Huntley Street in this video about their mission to transform their school into an eco-friendly environment, reducing their school's carbon footprint.

The video features Cathedral's Ecoteam and the school's rooftop garden and recycling program.

New Funding Source for Environmental Initiatives
Green Apple School Program is an initiative by supermarket chain Metro that will provide $1,000 grants to primary and secondary schools to fund environmental initiatives. The projects must be linked to curriculum and schools may apply twice (for two different projects).

Submit your idea early as the grants could be awarded as soon as the end of October. It appears that as long as the project meets the eligibility criteria, grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ministry of Education Hires Regional EE Leads
The Ministry has hired nine Regional Leads to support Environmental Education across Ontario. The Regional Leads will develop environmental education networks and assist boards with their environmental policies. We look forward to working with these REEL coordinators!

New Energy Conservation Factsheet: What is OFF?
`Stand-by power', `phantom load', and `vampire power' are all terms that refer to the electricity consumption of appliances while they are switched off or in a standby mode. Download this factsheet that addresses standby power that could be eliminated in the classroom with some simple steps.

Gems from the Certification Applications: Slogans
Last month we listed some inspiring EcoTeam names. Why not go further and add a slogan?! Here is a list of slogans schools used last year to help get you started.

Help us continue to build this list to share with others—send us your EcoTeam Slogans!