After years of rigorous work and development, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced that Hingham High School is one of three schools nominated for the national Green Ribbon Awards program. The U.S Department of Education recognizes schools based on three key areas: reduction of environmental impact and cost, improvement of health and wellness of students and staff, and the provision of effective environmental and sustainability education, incorporating STEM education into such a curriculum.

Recognition for sustainable practices is not new to the high school, as HHS has earned awards from numerous entities, ranging from government agencies to corporations. At MassRecycle’s 18th annual recycling awards in November 2013, HHS earned the top statewide honor for Massachusetts high schools. In 2009, National Geographic and Sun Chips recognized HHS and just 19 other schools nationwide with a $20,000 grant as part of their “Green Effect” program. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection commended HHS for green practices in 2012, 2013, and 2014, naming HHS “Grand Prize Winner” in 2013. Hingham High twice won the “Golden Sneaker” award for collecting thousands of used sneakers in three separate sneaker drives as a part of a shoe recycling program. Hingham High School has earned several other honors and awards connected to its sustainability efforts, but nomination for the federal Green Ribbon Awards program has always been the ultimate goal.
Many school districts have struggled to reconcile the problem of pushing student and staff green practices and saving money. HHS has received generous grants from many organizations including the Hingham PTO, Aquarion Water Company, and government agencies. With the financial help of Aquarion Water Company and the PTO, HHS has installed three Aquarion “Hydration Stations”, which provide filtered water available for students and staff. This change has led to an increase in reusable water bottles among both students and faculty. Many have noted that one will seldom find a student at HHS with a disposable water bottle. Hingham High maintains several multi-purpose recycling stations throughout the school, and many classrooms have both paper and multi-purpose recycle bins next to the trash barrel. When the high school’s paper recycling company stopped provided services, the HHS Green Team banded together to collect and recycle the paper products from the entire building and take the paper to the Hingham Transfer Station by hand. For the past three years, Hingham High has developed a robust composting program. During most weeks of the year, members of almost all sports teams and clubs participate in a program known as “Slash the Trash”, in which the team or club that oversees the most volume of compost earns a prize. Through the composting program, HHS removes anywhere from 50-90 pounds of waste from the trash every day. Relatedly, two years ago Hingham High replaced polystyrene trays with compostable trays.

HHS participates in various green-related events throughout the school year, including a “Green Week”, which features sustainable lessons, lectures, competitions, and giveaways. Hingham High used the $20,000 grant from National Geographic and Sun Chips to construct a greenhouse in one of the building’s courtyards, which has been in use for several months and showcased for other school districts. Under the stewardship of school administrators, HHS has seen substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and total waste. Overall, Hingham High School is a competitive nominee for this prestigious honor.

Winners will be announced on Earth Day, April 22, 2015 by the U.S Department of Education.