Today's Lesson: Go Green! Enter Global Green USA's Green School Makeover Competition, presented by Pureology

NEW YORK, Jan. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Every child deserves a learning environment that's safe, comfortable and free of harmful toxins.  Unfortunately, many schools across the country lack the funds to carry out much-needed repairs and renovations – subjecting children to outdated facilities with improper ventilation, poor lighting and inefficient energy usage.  Global Green USA is working to address this situation and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn in a healthy, green school.  This year, Pureology is pleased to present the 2^nd Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition.  From January 1 to March 31, 2013, a parent, teacher, student or individual can nominate any K – 12 public, private or charter school they think deserves a Green School Makeover!

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130102/NY31469 )

"Green schools improve student test scores, lower energy bills, and promote a more ecologically sound atmosphere.  We call it the 3 R's of green schools: Rise in student performance levels and teacher retention; Reduction in carbon emissions and toxins; and Renewed hope in education and the future," said Matt Petersen, President and CEO of Global Green USA.  "We are thrilled that our partnership with Pureology allows us to continue this national competition and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn in a healthy, environmentally-friendly school."

"In 2011, Pureology presented the first Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition that improved the learning environment of five schools[1] while educating parents, teachers, students and the public about the importance of creating cleaner classrooms. Pureology is working towards a more sustainable future and is proud to present the 2013 Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition," states Shae Kalyani, Vice President of Marketing for Pureology.  "Throughout 2013, Pureology will offer client product promotions in salons and donate a total of $250,000 to Global Green USA's Green School Makeover Competition Presented by Pureology."

Why Green Schools?

When a school goes green, children benefit – as well as the environment. Green schools lead to:

• Improved student performance. When children learn in classrooms with natural daylight, improved sound quality and non-toxic building materials such as non-VOC carpets and paints, test scores can improve as much as 20%. Attendance also improves!
• More funds for student resources. When green upgrades are made to a school, water and energy costs can be reduced by as much as 40%. These savings can be channeled back into resources that directly benefit students, such as textbooks, computers and other essentials.
• Reduced carbon footprint. Greening a school significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming.

A few ideas for your Green School Makeover:

• Creating a recycling program
• Conducting an energy audit to determine ways energy can be saved
• Installing solar shades to improve natural daylighting of classrooms
• Switching to green cleaning products
• Installing energy-efficient light bulbs
• Using sustainable building materials, such as bamboo flooring and recycled runner gym mats
• Replacing outdated or unsafe carpets and other materials with new, non-toxic ones

Take action and nominate a school for Global Green USA's Green School Makeover Competition Presented by Pureology!  From January 1 to March 31, 2013, visit Pureology.com/GreenSchools to learn more and nominate a school.  Work with your school principal or school facilities administrator to complete the application.  Remember to think about the types of green upgrades your school needs and why; allow 6 weeks from the start of the application to completion.  Global Green USA will review all applications and announce the winner in Q2 2013. The top ten finalists in the competition will also receive gift cards from Office Depot ranging from $1,000 - $5,000.

ABOUT PUREOLOGY SERIOUS COLOUR CARE^®

Pureology Serious Colour Care is a professional haircare line committed to the well-being of the environment, and since its inception in 2001, Pureology took measures to decrease its impact on the environment by using natural, organic botanicals and 100% Vegan ingredients.  All Pureology formulas offer an industry first: Longer Lasting Hair Colour – Guaranteed!^®  For more information visit Pureology.com or like Pureology on Facebook.  Please note, Pureology products can only be guaranteed authentic when purchased from a salon.  We request that you do not credit drugstores, "beauty websites" or other unauthorized retailers.

About Global Green USA

Global Green USA is the American affiliate of Green Cross International, founded by President Gorbachev, to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future.  For 15 years, Global Green USA has been a national leader in advocating for smart solutions to global warming including green building for affordable housing, schools and communities that save money, improve health and create green jobs.  Global Green USA has influenced more than $20 billion dollars for green building projects and educates millions of people about climate friendly solutions through its annual Red Carpet/Green Cars Oscars campaign.  Global Green is also leading efforts to help rebuild a green New Orleans through its sustainable green village and green schools initiatives.

[1] The inaugural Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition presented by Pureology announced one winning school (Texas School for the Deaf) to receive a Green Makeover and four runner-up schools to receive $2,500 towards sustainable upgrades.  Find out more here: http://globalgreen.org/blogs/global/?p=4345

SOURCE Pureology