Earth Day Fundraising Ideas for Schools

Earth Day is a good opportunity to delve deeper into a lesson about our planet and the impact our actions have on it. Children can partake in a fundraiser through their school that allows them to learn more about the day while raising money and awareness. The money will likely go toward the school, but some schools may choose to donate a portion of the money to a green charitable organization as well. There are quite a few fundraisers that are relatively easy and appropriate for almost any grade to do for Earth Day.

Reusable Bags

There are many organizations from which you can purchase a bulk amount of reusable bags imprinted with any logo and wording you wish, then turn around and resell them for a profit. Many people are using reusable bags for everything from going to the beach to shopping for groceries. Choose a logo, color and design that would appeal to many people in order to increase your chances of selling to more customers.

Used Items Sale

Write up a list of appropriate items your students could sell at a used items sale, then pass the list along to parents and teachers. Ask them to donate any items on the list that they no longer want so the school could sell them the sale. Most schools have a large parking lot where it can be held. Set up a table for each set of items, then have an adult volunteer work each table. This is an excellent Earth Day fundraising option for older kids who can help run the sale.

Seedlings

At least two months before Earth Day, purchase small planters and easy-to-plant flower seeds from a local farmers market. Plan to sell the flowers when they are only seedlings. Follow the instructions on each pack so you know when and how to plant the flowers, then help the students plant them into the small planters. Send a list of available seedlings, along with prices, to the parents and teachers and let them know the date the kids will bring home the plants. It's a good opportunity for the kids to have a hands-on lesson about how flowers grow.

Each of these Earth Day fundraising ideas helps to teach the kids the importance of being good to the planet as well as reusing what we have and reducing the amount of waste we produce. The ideas are different from the typical candy bar and wrapping paper fundraisers that many schools participate in, so it may also help to draw in more sales, especially from those that are trying to live a more green lifestyle.