Eco Experience

Eco /ˈēkō/ adjective; not harming the environment; eco-friendly

Volume 51, December 2025

Eco Tips and More

— Vivian White

-->4J/EWEB Education Partnership Program Message

• School Green Teams...we are here to help!
• Middle School Wind and EV Challenge info
• PLEASE! Do a January Cafeteria SORrT review with students
• Be Aware of What Goes Where SORrT video

-->News

• Launch of 4J's Going Green page

-->Monthly Matters

• World Soil Day December 5th

-->Resources

• Enjoy the Winter season-Get Outside!
• Defending and Leveraging Public Climate & Environmental Justice Data : StemTeachingTools
• ClimateLiteracy.Earth
• Climate.us
• Oregon Climate Education Hub

-->Events and Opportunities

• Come on down-4J STEM Giveaway 12/4 and 12/5 from 4-6pm!
• Join the Oregon Climate Education Thought Leaders Group
• Next Step's 2026 Electronics Collection Competition
• Lane County Waste Wise Holiday
• EWEB's Pledge to Prepare
• Emergency Vehicle Kit

-->Special Eco Friendly Holiday Features

• Not-Shopping List
• EcoGifting-it's a thing!
• Simplify the Holidays
• Eco Friendly Holiday Tips
• Is your holiday energy use naughty or nice?
• Give the Gift of Preparedness
• EWEB's Preparedness Gift Ideas
• Give the Gift of the Outdoors

-->Newsletter Archive

-->4J/EEP sites

-->Contact me

Hard to believe...here it is, holiday season again. Joy, memory making and, sadly, the mountains of waste from single use items and food waste. There are many ideas for ways to rethink your part of the holiday waste stream and some other helpful gift giving ideas for the season included in this newsletter.

As we head into the winter break, remember to take a moment for yourself each day to recenter and connect to your why. Less is more, especially at this time of year.

May you be filled with peace and love,

Tana aka Eco Chick

Want to start a "green" team? Bolster an existing team? Perhaps, engage your students in a service learning project? Are there things you've noticed that could use a little sustainability boost around your building?

Students love leadership opportunities and pitching in to help their school communities. Green teams are a great fit for out of the box thinkers, as well as civically minded students.

I'm here to help! One of my favorite things as a classroom teachers, was leading our school green team and helping students use their agency to take action. Reach out and let's chat about ways I can help work with you and your students to help your school become "greener".

Fill out the Eco Chick form to schedule a meeting.

The 4J/EEP's energy projects align well with the new TWIG curriculum with 7th wind energy and 8th grade EWEB EV challenge project.

7th grade-Wind Energy: This unit is focused on wind energy generation and turbine blade design. 4J/EEP supplies all materials and our staff support teachers with planning and preparation to teach this wind energy unit.

Use this form to schedule delivery of the unit: https://forms.gle/m3Cs9wyXhHJCVQ2K8

8th grade-The annual EWEB EV Challenge: An email will go out in January to sign up to participate, as well as give you more info about this free opportunity! Check out the EWEB EV Challenge page for more info.

Here's a shout out to everyone supporting the SORrT Waste system in our K-12 cafeterias-a huge carbon emissions reduction effort!

This month is World Soil Day, a solid connection to our district's Love Food Not Waste Program, since our food scraps are hauled away to be composted to make more soil! Understanding the value of food and where it comes from, as well as how to dispose of your meal remains is important knowledge to carry forward as humans on planet Earth.

When students return to schools after winter break, PLEASE plan to do a refresher on cafeteria waste routines in order to help keep the system up and running successfully. At a minimum, watch the SORrT video ,show the SORrT graphic and discuss expectations. For a deeper dive, use the Love Food Not Waste Resources to help you help your students understand the importance of keeping food out of the landfill.

24/25 Elementary Love Food Not Waste Resources
24/25 Secondary Love Food Not Waste Resources

Be a Waste Warrior-K-12 lessons (by grade band), activities, and resources to teach the planetary impact of what we eat and what we throw away. WWF Food Waste Warrior FREE!!

Small Shifts, Big Difference-Shift Campaign Food Waste video

It takes a village to keep food waste out of the land fill. 🌎🌏🌍

Over the past year a 4J Climate Action Plan was written in response to the 2019 4J Board Resolution naming specific actions. Students in the 4J Climate Justice Team over the years since then have called out the need for action steps "else its just words on paper again." The board adopted the CAP as a priority area last year and the work began.

A Climate Task Force has been created with representatives from every department in order to begin our cultural shift toward districtwide sustainable practices and standards driven climate education integration into K-12 science, social studies and health. With the passing of HB3365, climate education integration is a key focus of the climate action plan, along with our goal areas for transportation, water quality, food waste reduction and reduce/reuse strategies.

Aspects of the Climate and Sustainability Plan will be featured on the district webpage. An initial place holder has been created with some basic information and the Climate Task Force will work together to begin to link information on our various goal areas.

Check out the page here: https://4j.lane.edu/climateplan

Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities

Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link with soil. Over 95 percent of our food comes from soils. Besides, they supply 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants.

However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life, and decreasing the level of vitamins and nutrients in food.

Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping, improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and enhance water infiltration and storage. These practices also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change.

This World Soil Day 2025 focuses on urban landscapes with the theme "Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities." Beneath asphalt, buildings, and streets lies soil that, if permeable and vegetated, helps absorb rainwater, regulate temperature, store carbon, and improve air quality. But when it's sealed with cement, it loses these functions, making cities more vulnerable to flooding, overheating, and pollution.

How can you participate?

• Refresh your students on our cafeteria food waste collection procedures...our wasted school food makes more soil, people!
• Start using the curbside Love Food Not Waste program at home-that's right...put your food scraps in with your yard debris. It's a thing, people!
• Learn more about our planet's systems
• Regenerative Classroom focused on solution oriented, regeneration, social justice, food sovereignity
• Take the OSU Intro to Permaculture course FREE
• Appreciate the Outdoors...Eugene Parks and Trail maps
• Give back to Mother Nature...plant a tree, garden...leave the leaves.

United Nations World Soil Day for more information.

Kiss the Ground for Schools-stream the educational cut for free (45 minutes)!

There is something magical about being outdoors through the seasons...especially winter. We all have different comfort levels, so for those of you who may need a nudge off the couch in the colder months, here are some tips for getting outside in the colder months:

Getting Outside in Winter: How to enjoy the outdoors in the colder months

10 Tips to Help You Get Outdoors More This Winter

NEEF-Embrace the Outdoors to Beat Winter Blues

Take some time to reconnect with nature through sit spots-even in winter- in the classroom and as a human on the planet.

Here are a few great links to learn more.

adventure in place: sit spots – what they are & why they are important

Complete Guide To Using A Sit Spot In Nature (Benefits & Steps)-philosophy, practice and integration

Lesson: Field Education at Home: Sit Spot

Since January, many of my go to climate resources have been scrubbed from the internet. International groups have been working together to house these important resources for educators to use.

Use the links below to find some important documents pulled from reliable sources:

Climate Literacy: Essential Principles for Understanding and Addressing Climate Change

and many other key resources for teaching about climate change.

Japanese Proverb

This is an open invitation to the monthly Oregon Climate Education Thought Leaders group. It is run in a speaker series format. Would love to see you there!

Set an intention for the new year-Pledge to Prepare

There's always the possibility that a natural or human-caused disaster could strike us here in the Pacific Northwest.

Events like wildfire, earthquake or even a really bad winter storm can impact our electric and water systems and other public services we all rely on. In a severe emergency, some services could be disrupted for weeks or even months. And if you are like many of us, the thought of preparing your home and family for a disaster or other emergency can be daunting: Where do you begin? What supplies should you start gathering? How much will it cost?

That's why EWEB created the EWEB Pledge to Prepare, a 12-month blueprint for emergency preparedness.

For additional resources: 4J/EEP's Aware and Prepared

— Joshua Becker, Becoming Minimalist

Crazy to think that 25% more waste is generated during the holiday season...that's from "Thanksgiving" to the end of December, people! And, most of that stuff is still on the planet, likely in a landfill near you. According to Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science, 2020 was the year where human made items outweighed all living things for the first time...but there's good news! (TIME)

Introducing EcoGifting! It's a thing! A hierarchy of options to rethink gift giving. The graphics that are sandwiching this article are great examples of stuff-free giving. And, here are a few links for you to check out to see if there's a small SHIFT you can make.

• Treehugger: How to create less waste during the holidays

Here are some local ideas:

BRING

MECCA

Holiday Market

Farmers Market

Unique Eugene Give a local gift they choose and use (gift cards good at all businesses in UE)

Join a local Buy Nothing Group

Eugene on the Cheap

Thrift Shopper A National Thrift Store Directory

And, after the holidays...consider non-landfill options for your waste.

Styrofoam recycling-please do it!

Donate to local thrift stores, BRING, MECCA

Glenwood Transfer Station

Curbside composting with Love Food Not Waste

Recycle Right

Lots of groups pick up trees...support youth!

We all recognize that stretch from Thanksgiving to Christmas as “THE” holiday season. Unfortunately, that particular mega holiday season is not typically the most eco-friendly. This time of year can generate up to 43% more waste than the rest of the year, and holiday travel results in higher carbon emissions.

Every step we take to decrease the environmental footprint of the season is a win for the planet. With the big season just around the corner, here are tips to celebrate a sustainable, eco-friendly holiday season, whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or even Festivus.

• Get a real tree...and then recycle it
• Send digital gift cards
• Opt for gift experiences
• Window shop online and buy local #shopsmall
• Source Eco-friendly products
• If you purchase your gifts online...avoid expedited/overnight shipping
• Donate cash or time to a good cause
• Give ethically with handmade, recycled, or repurposed gifts
  
• Use recycled paper or reusable gift bags for wrapping gifts...or make your own
• Choose green holiday décor...reusable!
• Add organic and locally grown foods to your menu
• Decrease waste around the dinner table...compost food waste!
• Save energy-switch to LED lights, avoid inflatable, plastic items
• Adjust your thermostat...layering is fashionable for lounging
• Recycle old electronics at Next Step
• Offset your holiday travel

Check out: The Ultimate List of Eco-Friendly & Environmental Holidays [A Guide to Green Holidays] article on Eco Enclose for details

15 Tips for Sustainable Holidays

Small Foot print- 12 Ways to have an Eco friendly holiday

This year, give the gift of energy efficiency. Whether you’re visiting family, decorating the brightest house on the block, or staying in with festive movies and treats, here are some ways to save energy during the holiday season.

Decorations:

Don’t worry, we won’t tell you to nix your holiday light show—at least, not entirely. There are a lot of easy steps you can take to make your festive displays more energy efficient.

• Switch to LED lights
• Use timers...you don't need them on all night.
• Turn off ambient lights
• Decorate without electricity

Gifts:

It’s the season of giving, and it’s easier than ever to make your giving energy efficient. Here are some tips and tricks for gifts your loved ones and the planet will appreciate.

• Reuse and Regift
• Buy non-electric gifts
• Give clutter-free or consumable items
• Wrap responsibly.
• Recycle (Right)

Travel:

There’s no place like home for the holidays. Here are some ways to help you improve your energy efficiency on your way over the river and through the woods.

• Plan your travel ahead of time
• Turn off your lights
• Install a programmable thermostat for long trips so that you’re not needlessly heating your home.
  
• Set your water heater to “low” or take advantage of vacation mode settings to reduce energy waste from one of the biggest energy guzzlers in the home.
• Take advantage of programmable lights and other home electronic technology, such as apps that allow you to monitor your lighting, electricity use, and energy consumption from your phone.

Hosting:

Are you hosting a holiday gathering? Learn more about how to cook an energy-efficient meal in this Thanksgiving post here and read below for more energy-saving tips and tricks!

• Turn down your heat.
  
• Encourage your guests to carpool—this will save energy and driveway space!
• If you’re hosting a gift exchange or white elephant, encourage your guests to shop efficiently using the tips above—or consider making giving white elephant a thrifting theme!

For more details read the full article from Smarter House

— Mokokoma Mokhonoana

Oregon Department of Emergency Management

The holidays are a great opportunity to encourage your friends and family to prepare for emergencies and disasters.

Most people would love to be more prepared but haven’t made the time or don’t know where to start.

Here are a few low and no-cost ways to help your loved ones get prepared, and perhaps cross some items off your wish list as well:

Make a Plan
Planning is the first step in being prepared. Talk with your loved ones: Establish an evacuation route, a family meeting place, and how you will contact each other if you are separated during an emergency. These free preparedness publications can help you get started.

Stock an Emergency Kit
Help your loved ones create or update their emergency kit with essential items. Flashlights, extra batteries, portable power banks or phone chargers, a weather radio, a first aid kit, and tools are all necessary items that make great gifts.

Include the Kids
Protect your loved ones by helping them learn what to do in the event of an emergency. Kids and teens who are prepared often experience less anxiety and feel more confident during emergencies and disasters. Visit Ready.gov for resources to teach kids and teens how to be prepared, not scared, for emergencies.

Sign up for Emergency Notifications
Are you and your loved ones signed up for emergency alerts? Visit OR-Alert to sign up or update your contact information to receive local emergency alerts in Oregon. Share the website with friends and family on your holiday cards. Take a moment to help loved ones sign up during your holiday visits.

Create Community
Well-connected communities are more resilient. As you spread holiday cheer and share treats with your neighbors, talk to them about emergency plans. Exchange contact information and identify if any neighbors may need extra help during emergencies.

Get a Search and Rescue Card
Statewide Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts average 1,100 missions per year and are the responsibility of each county sheriff. Each SAR team, mostly made up of volunteers, must have the appropriate training and outfitting to perform their important role of saving lives.
The Oregon SAR Card program is a way for outdoor lovers to support SAR efforts statewide. The personalized cards are tax-deductible, feature a choice of eight Oregon landscapes, and are available as a one-year card for $10 or a five-year card for $55.
All proceeds help fund SAR training, equipment and missions across Oregon by contributing to the SAR Fund managed by the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association.

Source: MyOregonNews.com

Jewelry, clothes and electronics are nice, but if you really want to show someone you care, consider giving the gift of safety and peace of mind. The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to help your friends and family prepare for an emergency or disaster.

Here are a few gift ideas for the special people in your life:

Stocking stuffers:

• Flashlight
• Back-up phone battery
• Freeze-dried food
• Candles
• Emergency poncho
• Heat Reflective Blanket
• Hand/foot warmers

Gifts under $100:

• First Aid kit
• Emergency radio (with solar power and/or hand-crank)
• Multi-tool
• Personal water filter
• Emergency water storage container
• Camp stove
• Walkie Talkies
• Portable solar power station

Gifts over $100:

• Pre-made 72-hour kit
• Family water filtration system
• 30-day emergency food supply
• Generator (EWEB offers a zero-interest loan for home generators)

These are just a few ideas, and it's possible to get really creative with homemade gifts, gifts for kids, pet-owners and more. The holidays can be a great time to introduce preparedness into the lives of your friends and family, and perhaps cross some items off your own wish-list as well!

Save this season with the Oregon State Parks 12-month parking permit sale during the month of December. The permit hangtag once again features whimsical designs from Portland artist El Tran.

Holiday shoppers can buy the annual parking permits for only $25, which is a $5 savings starting Dec. 1 and running through Dec. 31. The permit is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase.

Purchasing permits is easy. Buy them online at the Oregon State Parks store (use the drop down menu to pick your favorite design).

Parking permits are also sold at some state park friends' group stores and select local businesses throughout the state.

For a complete list of vendors, visit stateparks.oregon.gov. Parking costs $5 a day at 25 Oregon state parks unless you have a 12- or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The 24-month pass is $50 and is also available at store.oregonstateparks.org. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.

Click here for a list of Events in the State Parks.

Other Oregon gift ideas

-Oscar Wilde

-Carl Sagan

Tana Shepard aka Eco Chick

TOSA-Climate. Energy. Conservation

Email: shepard_t@4j.lane.edu
Website: https://bit.ly/4J-eep
Phone: 541.790.5533