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GreenPrize 2026

Make a difference for your lunchroom, classroom and the planet when you apply for a GreenPrize!

Apply Now

GreenPrize Is Presented By:

Organize, Strategize, Earn a GreenPrize

GreenPrize, presented by M3 Investment Services, is a school-based sustainability award program run by the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS). It’s designed to help southeast Michigan schools reduce cafeteria waste, engage students in real-world environmental learning and build momentum toward Michigan Green School recognition.

This year, we’re awarding 18 schools a free Waste-Free Lunch Assessment that will help make our community a little greener — and your school could be among the winners! This package, worth $1,500, makes it easier to prioritize sustainability by giving you the tools, resources and guidance you need. 

Whether you’re an established Green Team, Eco Club or just getting started, GreenPrize can help you put sustainability practices into action.  

Who Should Apply

We’re looking for public and private schools that:

  • Serve students in fourth through 12th grades
  • Have administrative support
  • Have a staff champion willing to organize students and work with a waste diversion expert to execute the program
  • Plan to apply for Michigan Green School recognition in the upcoming school year

While schools in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties will be prioritized, we invite surrounding counties to apply. All schools will be considered, and the number of applications received will help guide the growth of this program.

Apply Now

What You’ll Receive

Selected schools will receive a Waste-Free Lunch Assessment, including:

  • A walk-through assessment of lunchroom food waste practices
  • A waste audit demonstration with students
  • A presentation of findings to a student assembly from a waste diversion expert
  • A technical report documenting the assessment, observations, a waste audit, photos and recommendations
  • Support in applying to become a Michigan Green School

Please note: Awarded schools will be asked to provide media releases, allowing the DZS to use photos and videos for program promotion.  

Key Dates

Mark your calendars for these key GreenPrize dates:

  • Tuesday, Sept. 8 – GreenPrize 2026 application portal opens
  • Thursday, Oct. 8 at 3:30 p.m. – Virtual Q&A session for interested schools (optional)
  • Friday, Oct. 30 at 10:30 a.m. - Applications Due
  • Monday, Nov. 2 – Award Winners Announced
Sign Up for Virtual Q/A

Why This Matters

GreenPrize helps southeast Michigan schools build lasting sustainability habits. Students learn why recycling and zero-waste practices matter, put those lessons into action in the classroom and gain skills they can carry home and into their communities. If you’re looking for a hands-on way to engage students in waste reduction — with support to make it happen — GreenPrize is for you.