Eco Experience

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

Volume 22, January 2023

Eco Tips and More

-Gandhi

Hoping this new Gregorian year is treating you all well so far. Many humans make resolutions and goals at this time of year to improve their health and habits. Consider shifting a personal behavior to help our Mother Earth AND your personal well being. You may try going meat-free (once a week, even!), loving food not waste or other ways to reduce your carbon emissions output.

I'm here to cheer you on!

-Tana

In this issue:

• Veganuary- Join the plant-based revolution!
• SPLASH! grant opportunity
• January 20 Take a Walk Outside Day
• January 21 Clean Energy Teacher Training
• January 26 International Environmental Education Day
• January 26 Cascadia Subduction 323rd Anniversary
• Video: Steven Eberlein- Why we don't prepare...
• January 28 International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day
  
• January 28 National Seed Swap day
• Reminder: Love Food Not Waste Coming to Middle School Cafeterias soon
• 2023 Electronics Recycling Challenge
• Lane County's Wastewise Newsletter
• Support Climate Education in Oregon
• Sites: SPLASH!, 4J/EEP, The Salmon Spot

-Albert Einstein

January is also know as Veganuary...Join the plant-based revolution.

Veganuary inspired and supported over 620,000 people to try vegan during their 2022 campaign – with participants from over 220 countries and territories. They have worked with businesses to drive up vegan food options in shops and restaurants, and have made veganism more visible and accessible through their work with national and international media.

This site offers recipes, meal plans and more. 30 Day Veganuary Challenge

Veganuary

Meatless Mondays

Meatfree Monday

-James Cromwell

It's back! The City of Eugene is providing their “SPLASH!” grant funding for instruction in science. SPLASH! (Stormwater Pollution Learn and Share!) is a website and curriculum for grade levels K-8 exploring water and the effects of pollution in water systems, the water cycle, and local ecosystems. Also included in this program is the Salmon and the Ecosystem curriculum, available for grades 5-12, which approaches water quality issues with emphasis on salmon and its role in our region’s ecosystem, economy and culture.

Here are the SPLASH! Website and City of Eugene's Classroom Materials sites containing all the grade-level curriculum information and materials.

Here is the link to the 2023 SPLASH! Grant Application. There are two levels of grant funding available: (a) a one time per year per school, up to $2,000 award; or (b) two up to $500 per year per school awards. Funds will be allocated based on alignment with SPLASH! Curriculum; alignment with 4J Science Curriculum, Common Core State Standards and NGSS; and the proposed project budget. A copy of the scoring rubric is attached for your reference. In the event of multiple classroom or grade level applications per school, Principals will need to prioritize the requests prior to submission of completed applications. Please read the application carefully as there are specific restrictions with regard to proposed technology purchases.

Note: Requests for funding of Outdoor School programs will not be considered as State funding has been allocated for Outdoor School for all 4J Elementary Schools.

In order to be considered for funding, completed applications must be received by 11:55 pm on Friday, March 24, 2023.

This is a great opportunity for your school and a nice partnership with the City of Eugene. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the SPLASH! Program or your project eligibility.

-K.D. Lang

Take A Walk Outdoors Day falls on January 20 every year, and as the name suggests, it’s a day to step outside for a walk alone or with someone. Walking comes with a bag full of health benefits, and taking a walk outdoors is always more fun than doing it on a treadmill. Walking outdoors lets your body absorb Vitamin D which is good for your bones and muscle growth. For best results, try an early morning walk because only the early morning sun generates Vitamin D, and 75% of adults don’t get enough of it.

Take a Walk Outdoors Day

Self-Guided Walking Tours of Eugene

Blog-Favorite Flat Paths

International Environmental Education Day, which falls on January 26, is observed all over the world in the hopes of improving the relationship between our fellow humans and nature itself. It seeks to identify and find solutions to certain environmental issues, both globally and locally. With this, a collective and effective process is made available to reach more like-minded people who want to make a difference for our world itself. Aside from just assessing these issues, the main goal for this day is to bring about awareness for the motivation to continue on this endeavor. Once this has been achieved, motivation to act with the right forward-thinking and knowledge can bring about a sustainable change for today and future generations as well. You can find a list of science scholarships to enhance the effect of this journey through education from the leading schools and institutes in the country, for the betterment of the environment and our future.

International Environment Education Day

NEEF K-12 Education

EPA Environmental Education

North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)

January 26th marks the 323rd anniversary of the Cascadia Subduction Earthquake. And, we are due for another big event like this at any moment. All the more reason to be aware and prepared. Below are several links for you to dig into.

Realtime Earthquake Map

Quake Alert App

OPB Mega Quake video

Article: How to Prepare Your kids for the Cascadia Earthquake

Shake Alert Activities for teachers

On this day in history...lesson

Article: The Really Big One

Oregon.Gov Cascadia Subduction Zone

EWEB Pledge to Prepare, a 12-month blueprint for emergency preparedness.

4J/EEP's Aware and Prepared

And, if you have never heard Steven Eberlein's talk...do it today. Linked below.

-Anonymous

Since global warming affects — well — the globe, reducing CO2 emissions to control this effect should be a global event, which brings us to International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day, held on January 28 each year. Since CO2 is such a big contributor to climate change, this event intends to change the way countries around the world operate. Over time, this day seeks to aid the world’s transition to a cleaner environment.

International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day

SHIFT transportation

Here's how CO2 emissions have changed since 1900

10 ways to reduce carbon footprints in schools

National Seed Swap Day is celebrated on the last Saturday in January, which is January 28 this year, to honor the great U.S. tradition of swapping seeds with neighbors. The final week of January lays the chilly winds of winter to rest and signals the coming of spring — a season of cherry blossoms, outdoor picnics, and fresh plantations. As the plants and trees shed their final bounty, communities gather to plan for the next year of harvest. Mark this brand new season by swapping seeds and sharing warmth with your community on National Seed Swap Day.

National Seed Swap Day

Seed Savers Exchange

12 Tips for Organizing a Seed Swap

Eugene Seed Library

-Maya Angelou

This fall has brought successful implementation of the new Love Food Not Waste cafeteria stations in nearly every elementary across the district. In addition, three of the 5 high school programs have implemented the system with help of their student climate clubs. After the new year, 4J/EEP staff will be assisting the remaining schools with the implementation process. Training materials, consultation and support will be provided. The goal is to have every 4J school participating by spring break. With successful up front training, students have been easily able to adapt to the change in waste collection. We have kept hundreds, perhaps nearing thousands, of gallons of food waste out of the land fill so far.

Shout out to the elementaries for getting right on board. Your staffs have been amazingly supportive and proud of your efforts. Way to step up.

Shout out to Cal Young for being our first middle school to implement this year. They utilized the week long advisory lessons and they have an amazing custodian that initiated the effort. Our staff went to support on the first day and little assistance was needed. (Insert big smile)

Shout out to Chinese Immersion/Kennedy for getting their system up and going K-8. This was no easy feat...9 grade levels after all. Phew. We did it! Jen, you rock.

Thanks everyone for supporting this huge carbon emissions reduction effort. It takes a village to keep food waste out of the land fill. It is dreamy seeing the Earth flags flying across the district. 🌎🌏🌍

-Anonymous

The county waste management division puts out this newsletter each month...give it a read.

Lane County Wastewise Newsletter

Read this year's Lane County's Waste Wise News School edition for various waste prevention resources available through the county for schools.

-Anonymous

At the request of our students, Oregon Educators for Climate Education have written legislation requiring K12 schools in Oregon to integrate regionally-relevant, hope-inspiring, solution-oriented, climate change lessons across all subjects. The United Nations advises that this is a necessary step if climate goals will be met. Climate Change Education research also suggests that knowing the facts, understanding solutions, and taking action can help alleviate young people's anxiety about the climate crisis.

Oregon Educators for Climate Education and our Student Councils are asking for your support to convince lawmakers that empowering Oregon students with the capacity to effect an equitable, sustainable future deserves their full support

1. Anytime between December 7 and January 12, email your representatives to voice your support. Find their contact info here. In all your correspondences, please include this flyer (Sample letter of support)

2. Share this social media post or poster with your colleagues, friends and family.

3. If you know students that may be interested, have them consider making a video to share with legislators that asks them to tell why others should support climate change education legislation.

Thanks for your support!

The OECE Steering Committee

-Cesar Chavez

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