Eco-Schools USA: a Short Guide for Teachers & Administrators

Description

National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools program is a free third-party certification program that uses school-based action teams of students, administrators, and educators to drive environmental stewardship and education in schools. Eco-Schools - USA has over 5,000 schools that are registered and internationally operates in over 60 countries. Schools can achieve four levels of certification: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and the internationally renowned Green Flag. Each level is based on the number of points a school achieves.

Certification Framework

Eco-Schools’ steps to achieve certification:

Authentically Engage the Community: Foster genuine connections both within and beyond the school environment, cultivating purposeful relationships. 

Form an Action Team: Establish a student-led committee rooted in both the school and the community. Harness the group’s skills to drive environmentally-focused initiatives for the school community.

Develop an Action Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan outlining specific goals, actions, and timelines for improvement.

Take Action, Collect Data, and Measure Impact: Explore nature-based and community-driven solutions for addressing issues outlined in the team's action plan. Use accessible, fact-based storytelling to inform, raise awareness, and inspire action. 

Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Gather information before and after to assess and measure the success of a school’s plan. Inform the school community about the progress and action results.

Identify Curricular Connections: Encourage curricular connections across disciplines. 

Establish an Eco-Code and Celebrate: Acknowledge everyone who contributed and the remarkable positive influence on the school community. Create a code or framework for the future and showcase the school's achievement and celebrate!

Framework in Action

Once a school is registered, there are action steps to further a school’s sustainability goals that connect to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. On the Eco-School’s dashboard, there are points that a school must meet in order to achieve a specific level: 

Credit: EcoSchools United States

Themes Addressed by Eco-Schools:

Eco-Schools addresses various environmental themes, allowing schools to tailor their sustainability efforts. These may include:

• Waste Reduction: Strategies to minimize waste and promote recycling.

• Energy Conservation: Initiatives to reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency.

• Water Usage: Practices to conserve water resources within the school.

• Biodiversity: Efforts to protect and enhance the diversity of plant and animal species.

Benefits of Eco-Schools

• Environmental Impact: Schools contribute to a healthier planet by reducing their ecological footprint.

• Educational Value: Students gain practical knowledge and skills related to sustainability.

• Community Engagement: Eco-Schools foster a sense of environmental responsibility within the local community.

• Point of Pride: Becoming an Eco-School has been a source of pride for many schools. This certification leads to more positive sustainable actions within a school community.

Getting Started

To embark on the Eco-Schools journey:

1. Register: Sign up for the Eco-Schools program to access resources and support.

2. Form Your Action Committee: Assemble a dedicated team passionate about sustainability.

3. Implement Action Plan: Begin making positive changes, one step at a time and record them in your action dashboard.

4. Submit your application! Applications are open from the first Friday in April to the first Friday in June. (Note: To register for the highest level, Green Flag, registration is due by January 26, 2024.)
   

Conclusion

Eco-Schools empowers educational institutions to become catalysts for positive environmental change. By putting the certification framework into action, forming dedicated Action Teams, addressing key themes, and embracing sustainability, schools can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. For more information, see Eco-Schools-USA.

Article by Sarah Treacy, Sustainability Intern at Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants.

Article printed in PAISBOA’s Friday Flyer Vol . XIII, No. 1 - January 12, 2024

The Future is Bright with Electric School Buses

A brand new electric bus waits to be charged. (Photo credit: Proterra)

As the world calls for a more sustainable future, the transportation sector is undergoing a significant transformation. Among the exciting developments in this field is the electrification of school buses. Electric school buses are gaining attention and momentum, reshaping the way students commute to and from school. 

Environmental Advantages

Yellow diesel school buses have long been a staple of student transportation, but they come with a hefty environmental cost. These buses emit harmful pollutants, contributing to air pollution and climate change. Diesel vehicles contribute to harmful greenhouse gasses such as ground-level ozone and particulates.

There is good news on the horizon! According to the EPA, electric school buses have zero tailpipe emissions. This translates to a reduction of several million tons of carbon emissions when scaled, leaving a huge opportunity to improve air quality and combat climate change. Of course, it’s important to recognize that the generation of electricity to run e-vehicles comes from all sources–renewable and non-renewable. Therefore, consider where your energy comes from and opt for renewable energy such as wind or solar as your energy provider.

Keeping Health in Mind

The health of children is at risk as emissions from diesel buses can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues. Fine particulate matter from diesel fumes can damage children’s lungs. Children face higher risks than adults due to their developing lungs and volume of air intake  per pound of body weight. Exhaust inhalation is associated with an increase in illness, including cancer. 

Risks of Idling

Diesel particulates contain hundreds of different gaseous and solid chemicals. As vehicles line up to pick up or drop off children, idling engines release diesel particulates.  Idling buses are often near waiting or playing children, who inhale the exhaust full of these chemicals.. Inhalation  is associated with an increase in illness, including cancer. 

Diesel emissions fill the air near a sidewalk in Los Angeles. (Photo by Mark J. Terrill)

Many schools are taking action and invoking “No Idling” policies.  Idling is inefficient as it creates air pollution, wastes gas, and is costly. For more “No Idling” information for schools, see this article.

No idling sign protects the health of children. (Photo by Kylie Akiyama)

Benefits Outweigh Costs

The initial purchase price of electric school buses may be higher than traditional buses, with the average cost being around $350,000. However, the long-term cost savings are substantial due to lower fuel and maintenance expenses. Electric engines are simpler to operate with less parts to maintain. This can lead to an expected savings of roughly $100,000 per school bus on maintenance over its lifetime compared to diesel buses.

Many grants, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection AFIG Grant and New Jersey bill S-886, which provides low-financing loans to schools buying electric buses, make replacing a diesel bus with an electric one affordable for hundreds of schools. The Inflation Reduction Act also allows for hefty tax credits for the purchase of Electric Vehicles, including school buses. Additionally the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has committed $5 billion in grants to electrify America’s school buses through the Clean School Bus Program (CSB), awarding $965 million to schools in 2022. This year’s rebate CSB application is open now. 

EV charging station fills a new bus with electricity in Beverly, MA. (Photo by Robin Lubbock)

The Growing Interest in Sustainable Transportation 

The adoption of electric school buses is steadily increasing across the United States, reflecting growing interest in sustainable transportation. In the United States, over 5,000 new buses have been ordered in the past year alone. Numerous school districts have successfully implemented pilot programs with electric school buses, reporting positive results in terms of efficiency and reduced emissions. The Boston School district recently began the transition away from diesel buses, phasing in 20 new electric buses earlier this year with no plans to stop. Governor Wu’s Green New Deal plans to replace all 620 of its diesel buses with electric ones by 2030. Philadelphia has added 5 new electric buses this past year, according to The Center Square.

By reducing bus emissions, we can create healthier environments for the 24 million US students that ride the bus every day. Electric school buses emerge as a solution that addresses both environmental and health concerns, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative. Will your next yellow school bus become green?

Article by Sarah Treacy, Boston College ‘24, Sustainability Intern at Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants.

Article printed in PAISBOA’s Friday Flyer Vol . XII, No. 15 - October 20, 2023.

Check out these resources to learn more:

World Resource Institute Data

Environmental Protection Agency Bus Idling Information

2023 Grants to Green Your School

Grants are a great way to fund projects that bring environmental and sustainability topics to schools. If you are an educator looking to start a sustainability initiative at your school, here is a list of grants for school gardens, pollinator plantings, farm to school programs, and environmental education that are open now that can provide funding to make your project possible.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Garden Grants

Orchard Grants (The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation)

• The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) plants trees and plants to alleviate world hunger, combat global warming, strengthen communities, and improve the surrounding air, soil, and water. 

• FTPF provides shrubs, equipment, oversight, and oversight to recipients.

• Due anytime

Seed Money Challenge (Seed Money)

• 30-day crowdfunding challenge for diverse food garden projects

•  $100 - $1,000 grant awards

• Opens November 15, 2023 and closes December 15, 2023

Pollinator Grants

The Bee Grant (The Bee Cause Project and Whole Kids Foundation)

• Brings educational bee hives and programming to K-12 schools. The goal of the grant is to enhance pollinator education, STEM skills, and environmental stewardship.

• $1,5000 or equipment grants available

• Opens in early September and closes at the end of October

Youth Pollinator Gardens Grant (National Garden Club)

• Supports projects in partnership with a local garden NGO that provides education materials on pollinators and pollinator gardens. 

• Application Link

• $200 grant available

• Due anytime 

Operation Wildflower (National Garden Club)

• Provides direct funds for an educational program on wildflowers and native plants.

• $500 grant available

• Due anytime

Photo credit: Unsplash

Farm to School Grants

Youth Educator Grant (SARE)

• Supports projects that teach youth about sustainable agriculture

• $6,000 grants available

• Applications open in mid-August and close in early November

Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom (NIFA - USDA)

• Promotes science and agricultural literacy in K-12 classrooms

• $960,000 worth of grants available

• Due July 6, 2023
  
  
  

General Environmental Education Grants

Student Success Grants (NEA Foundation)

• Supports educators in developing projects that will enhance student hands-on learning

• $1,500 - $5,000 grants available

• Applications due September 15, 2023

Grants for Grades K - 5 and Grants for Grades 6 - 12 (Toshiba America Foundation)

• Supports project based learning in STEM for K-5 classrooms and 6-12 classrooms

• $1,000 grants available

• Due October 1, 2023

Local Community Grants (Walmart)

• Funds projects in eight areas: (1) community and economic development, (2) diversity and inclusion, (3) education, (4) environmental sustainability, (5) health and human service, (6) hunger relief and healthy eating, (7) public safety, (8) quality of life.

• $250 - $5,000 grants available

• Applications open August 1, 2023 and are due October 15, 2023

• Applications are accepted quarterly

Photo credit: Unsplash

To learn more about how to write a successful grant proposal, read our previous blog post “How to Fund Your Green Project”

Article by Celia Hoffman, Sustainability Intern, Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants

Making Your Garden More Pollinator Friendly

Power of Pollinators

Did you know that pollinators are responsible for 1 out of 3 bites of food we take each day? According to the National Park Service, at least 75% of all flowering plants are pollinated by insects and animals. That amounts to 1,200 food crops and 180,000 different types of plants!

Pollinators – bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, hummingbirds, and bats – are key to a healthy garden. They help spread pollen from flower to flower, which leads to pollination, and more flowers blooming. A high number and range of pollinators is a sign of a healthy ecosystem!

This perennial pollinator garden is a-buzz with insects and birds. 

Protecting Pollinators 

Without pollinators, plants, animals, and humans could not survive. Unfortunately, habitat loss and pesticide use is threatening pollinator populations across the world. Small actions to create a safe space for pollinators can make a huge difference!

Reduce the Grass

Turf grass (such as Bermuda grass from Africa) consists of just one species or “monoculture” that is exclusively cultivated. Our grass-centric landscape lacks biodiversity and is resource-intensive (such as water, fossil fuels used to maintain the turf, and chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides) are often used to maintain a weed-free turf lawn.  

Pollinator Gardens

Add a sign to inform others about Pollinator Gardens, like this one from Xerces Society.

Creating a pollinator garden is a great way to attract and protect pollinators. Pollinator gardens supply nectar or pollen for a range of pollinators. They also provide food and habitat for animals, help soil stay healthy, and clean the air. Include a sign that educates people about Pollinator Gardens.

According to the National Park Service, the best ways to support pollinator gardens are:

• Provide habitat for pollinators with native, nectar-rich flowers (see Eco Regional Planting Guide Cards below)

• Offer pollinators a drink with a small, shallow dish of water 

• Avoid clearing leaves; dead leaves and plant matter provide food and shelter for pollinators

• Limit the use of pesticides to avoid poisoning pollinators

• Offer a variety of flower types, shapes, and sizes 

• Plant flowers in large clumps so that pollinators can easily move from one flower to the next

• Provide nesting and sheltering sites for pollinators such as downed tree limbs for bees

National Park Service’s Eco Regional Planting Guide for Northeast Region. 

Plants Pollinators Love

Wondering what plants will provide the best habitat for pollinators? According to the National Audubon Society, these 10 flowering native plants are a great place to start.

1. Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

2. Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

3. Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

4. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

5. Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

6. Canada Lily (Lilium canadense)

7. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

8. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)

9. Beebalm (Monarda didyma)

10. Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

For more information on native plants, see Audubon's "Why Native Plants Matter." Small actions to provide shelter, food, and water for pollinators can have a huge impact on ecosystem health. It is time to start supporting  the insects and animals that are working hard in our gardens and school grounds everyday! To read more: see this link.

Article by Claire DuBois, Haverford College ‘22, Sustainability Interns at Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants.

Printed in PAISBOA’s Friday Flyer Vol. XII, No. 9 - June 2, 2023.