BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Education has announced that two schools in Maryland have been named Green Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.

Lutherville Laboratory (Baltimore County Public Schools) and Waldorf School of Baltimore (independent) are being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impacts and improve health and wellness. The schools were recognized for their sustainable practices and efforts to promote environmental literacy among students.

Lutherville Laboratory is a certified Maryland Green School since 2004. The school has implemented a number of green practices to reduce waste and promote sustainability, including tree planting on campus, a monarch meadow, outdoor classroom, 4000 square foot learning garden, and storm water retention pond. The school has also reduced waste by over 78% through recycling and composting programs. These efforts have helped the school improve its energy efficiency and save $13,000 in energy costs.

Waldorf School of Baltimore is an independent school in Baltimore City. The school has a holistic approach to education that extends beyond the conventional. Students have the opportunity to learn about environmental issues and ways to promote sustainability. The school’s campus features two rain gardens, three native fruit tree groves, seven raised vegetable garden beds, a pollinator garden, a dye garden, an herb garden, a sensory garden, a chicken coop, and multiple outdoor gazebos/pavilions designed to facilitate outdoor classroom instruction. The school also emphasizes sustainable practices and recycling. Students participate in multidisciplinary environmental and sustainable education at every grade.

The U.S. Department of Education selected 41 schools, 10 districts, three postsecondary institutions, and one early learning center nationwide.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.