How schools are failing our kids; childhood cases of obesity and asthma have hit record levels. Meanwhile, public schools serve hamburgers and fries, eliminate gym classes, and use pesticides. Are schools setting our kids up for a lifetime of poor health? - Exclusive Report

Natural Health, July, 2002 by Katherine Gallia

STAR EXAMPLE

Roy Lee Walker Elementary School, McKinney, Texas

How It Shines: Offers a healthy building and grounds.

The Details: The school was constructed in 2000 with environmentally friendly and recycled materials, including cork board and galvanized wall panels that didn't require glues, adhesives, or other toxic elements. And mostly local materials were used to cut down on transportation-related pollution. While the total building costs were about 12 percent higher than a traditional design would have been, the school's energy-saving features more than make up for the difference. The classrooms in Walker, for example, are illuminated with natural light, which substantially reduces the school's utility bills. Six cisterns on the school grounds can store up to 66,000 gallons of collected rainwater, which helps save on monthly water bills. A native landscape design also reduces the need for pesticides and maintenance. And a series of solar panels help supply hot water.

Katherine Gallia is the editor of Education West magazine in Sacramento, Calif.