The Greendale Schools Nourish Mind, Body and Environment Expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 3, at Greendale High School. There will be vendors, demos, speakers, resource booths and student projects to help students, families and community members learn about living a healthier lifestyle and keeping Greendale green. The event’s keynote speaker will be author and Registered Nurse Dr. John D. Shier.

Home to more than 2,600 students, the Greendale School District is dedicated to environmental sustainability and has implemented numerous eco-friendly changes concentrating on conservation over the last few years. This green effort has resulted in savings of more than $200,000 per year, even with rising energy costs. Expenditures on energy have fallen from a total of $813,848 in 2006 to $592,073 in 2010. “Saving $200,000 annually means three more outstanding teachers in the classroom,” says District Director of Business, Erin Green. “It is changes like these that contribute to the Greendale Schools having the highest achievement in the region.”

Focused on efficiency, the Greendale School District installed solar water heating, new heating plants and digital controls; implemented operational changes; formed a green team of students, staff and community members; created two school gardens to grow produce and use for curriculum; and organized an annual green expo with around 40 exhibitors. In 2011, Greendale Schools was also recognized with an award from the Environmental Protection Agency, in Washington, D.C.

For more information, visit Greendale.k12.wi.us/nourish.