Extra! Extra! Read all about it...District Wide Love Food Not Waste Program implementation a tremendous success!
This year, nutrition services staff in every kitchen across the district have been working hard to divert their food waste along with custodian super (s)heroes tackling a new waste disposal routine, as well as supporting students in cafeterias. Students have been taking the time and attention to learn this new routine with great care. And, of course without teachers, EA's, administrators...and all the other integral staff that make a difference in a multitude of ways, this would not have been possible. Together we have really made a HUGE difference in the amount of food waste transported from our schools to our local landfill , Short Mountain.
A round of applause for all, please!
While we didn't quite get 100% of our school cafeterias this year, the plan is to jump right back in next fall with building routines around what food waste is and why it matters, the SORT personal waste management routine in cafeteria spaces, teacher delivered lessons the first weeks of school and ongoing support from 4J/EEP staff. The big idea is the system is up and going the first day of school in all cafeterias and students are learning/being reminded of how we use the SORT waste stations at meal times. Building a culture around care, community, and eco habits in our cafeteria spaces creates more enjoyment for all and provides vital life skills that students will take forward with them into their adult lives.
Stay tuned for updated educational materials to use for teaching students in September. Through staff support, education and routine building, students have learned how and why we do what we do with our food waste. Elementary and Secondary versions of materials will be ready for use by the time the students return. Reusables are coming to many secondary level cafeterias next fall and it will be imperative to provide the SORT education piece to all students (and staff... just sayin'...) for the continued success of the system.
Way to support this food waste SHiFT, people!
It takes a village to reduce carbon emissions in our community!
Did you know?!?
You can borrow dishware and waste collection bins for your party or event?! Reuse at its finest!
Recycling and garbage bins, as well as, buckets for food scraps and glass bottles are available for events in Lane County. Bins are a helpful tool for collecting empty beverage containers and for diverting food scraps from the landfill!
Many ways to play!
Visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/EventRecycling, email Kelly.Bell@LaneCountyOR.gov or call (541) 682-2059 to reserve bins for your next event.
Handy Recycle Bin Loan Agreement form
See below for the flyer that gives more info.
Fall with the 4J/EWEB Education Partnership
As you start wrapping your head around school year 23/24, I'd like to remind you the 4J/EWEB Education Partnership Program is here to support you and your students!
The 4J/EWEB Education Partnership (4J/EEP) is a grant funded program within Eugene School District 4J. About 30 years ago, this phenomenal partnership was formed to support and supplement science education, particularly in the areas of energy and water. The program is focused on Our Changing Planet-Preparing for Our Future (Salmon, Water, Climate, PNW Energy- Awareness, Adaptation/Mitigation, Resilience).
Next fall's offerings:
- Salmon Education- (Oct-Dec)It's back!! From late October to winter break raise salmon in your classroom with your students and release them into the "wild". This experience is has great science and social studies connections with Tribal History, Shared History and the NGSS standards. (Priority for 3rd/4th grade)
- No Time to Waste (Sept) classroom visits/cafeteria waste education-The 5R's of Zero Waste Living, including understanding the value of food and where it comes from, as well as how to dispose of your scraps, is important knowledge to carry forward as humans on planet Earth.
- 7th grade Wind Energy teacher workshop (mid-Oct) Learn how the wind energy unit aligns with your teaching, how the unit works and play with your colleagues while planning implementation in your classroom this year.
- 4J Climate Justice Team for high school students-this team includes representatives from all 4J high schools' climate related clubs and acts as an advisory committee to district initiatives.
- Start a "green" team"! -Interested in starting a "green team" in your building? Need a little help with how to get started? I'm your person! Set up an initial consultation and we will work together to get a team going at your site.
- Check out our website's teacher page for more program offerings.
Reach out with questions. shepard_t@4j.lane.edu
June 3rd- 31st annual National Trails Day
There’s something magical about being outdoors. Fresh air, birds singing, moving along a trail or even just around the block – there’s nothing quite like it. But today, those trails and public spaces are in dire need of help —and not everyone has access to these places that can calm and inspire. National Trails Day is the perfect opportunity to get out there with the people you love, give back to the trails that bring us together, and make sure no one is left out.
Take the pledge to leave trails better than you found them.
Eugene Parks and Trails Maps
June 5th- The 51st annual World Environment Day
World Environment Day is June 5th. This year's theme is "Solutions for Plastic Pollution".
World Environment Day 2023 is a reminder that people’s actions on plastic pollution matters. The steps governments and businesses are taking to tackle plastic pollution are the consequence of this action.
It is time to accelerate this action and transition to a circular economy.
It is time to #BeatPlasticPollution.
There are many ways to learn more and take action.
Interactive-Our Planet is Choking on Plastic
Article-Turning off the tap...
Subject to Climate lesson-The Not so Great Garbage Patch
June 6th-Secure Your Load Day
Summer is often a time to dig in, get cleaning and get rid of unwanted items. As you clean-up and haul things to disposal sites ... such as the ones listed in the Eco Tips for Discard... take extra time to ensure everything is secured and won't blow out of your vehicle or trailer. Items blowing out of vehicles not only create the majority of roadside trash, but can also cause accidents. Properly securing your vehicle's load is quick and easy. It only takes a few minutes and basic supplies.
June 8th- World Oceans Day
One Ocean, One Climate, One Future-Together
Celebrating UN World Oceans Day is a great opportunity to grow awareness and understanding about the largest part of our planet. And, a great lead into Plastic Free July.
Bonus resources:
June 15th- Global Wind Day
Below are some great resources for teaching around wind energy, any day of the year.
Plastic Free July-its a thing, people!
Join millions of people reducing their plastic waste. CHOOSE to REFUSE!
Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.
Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics?
What you can do...oh, this is GOOD!
Play. Summer in Our City
We live in a beautiful place! Summer is a fun way to see and do things you wouldn't usually get to do during the school year.
Here are some ideas to get you out and about:
Window Exhibitions until June 12th
Adult Activities guide-so many great classes!!
Love writing? Word Crafters
Step Into Series-poetry, stories, plays and comics in the stairwells in the 10th/Oak Overpark
Lane Events Calendar-"never miss out again"OSU Extension Service-home garden and landscape resources
Downtown Cultural Experiences calendar
First Friday at Cultural Museum
Whitaker Last Friday art walk
Learn.
We (OECE) are working with Subject to Climate to run our Climate Education Teacher Institute this summer, and are looking to build a broader coalition especially in rural parts of the state. I'm hoping you could share the two opportunities below with OSTA and your various networks.
Oregon Climate Teacher Institute: The Oregon Educators for Climate Education (OECE) and SubjectToClimate are seeking past and present OR teachers to join the Oregon Climate Teacher Institute between July-August 2023 to create exemplar lesson plans that show other educators how to integrate climate change across all grade levels and subjects. Lessons will be recognized and published onto the Oregon Climate Education Hub for all educators to access. We know teachers are leaders for climate change. OR Climate Teacher Institute Fellows will work at the heart of what we do: to build exemplar lesson plans by teachers, for teachers. For more information, review the description for the Oregon Climate Teacher Institute opportunity and apply by Sunday, June 11th.
Oregon Climate Curriculum Summit: While the Teacher Institute is a specialized track committed to publishing lesson plans, we are opening up the training to all educators in Oregon between July 24-28. It is a free virtual, synchronous professional development opportunity for educators to learn how to incorporate climate change into their classroom. For more information, here is the flyer and the sign up link.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Thank you!
Oregon Educators for Climate Education (OECE) Team
Take Action.
Oregon Educators for Climate Education (OECE) is a statewide group of educators working toward Oregon legislation that would mandate the integration and infusion of climate change for PK-12 education across all core subject areas.
Read.
Want to take action on climate change? These books can help.
Twelve titles offer practical advice for people who want to help protect the climate.
4J/EWEB Education Partnership
TOSA-Climate, Energy, Conservation
Grant Coordinator-EWEB, SPLASH!, Love Food Not Waste
Email: shepard_t@4j.lane.edu
Website: https://bit.ly/4J-eep
Phone: 541.790.5533