Can selecting the right appliances help a school or business reach both sustainability and cost savings goals? More and more, we are finding synergies between environmentally-conscious practices and economic interests. It is time that we throw away (recycle?) myths about these priorities being at odds with each other; one place to look for proof is Energy Star appliances.
Last week, Boyer Sudduth partnered with multiple other environmentally-minded organizations to provide a three-day professional development focused on climate change in Philadelphia. Not only did the training teach about the science and impacts of climate change, but it also provided insight into direct action teachers can take within their school communities.
The Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation (CELF) is a non-profit organization located in Valhalla, New York, which works to integrate education for sustainability into school curricula and culture. One of our interns, Casey, spent her summer working for CELF and has written an article to share her reflections on her experience!
Mt. Airy Nexus, a coworking space, brings a variety of businesses together with a shared value of sustainability. Founded by Max Zahniser and located in a building developed by Scott Seibert, Mt. Airy Nexus is the “sister” to Center City’s CityCoHo. According to Zahniser, “We view coworking as an instrument to bring change makers together and maximize the value of sustainability strategies, all while supporting them in a harm-free environment.”
During the beginning of school last year, first grade students in Brooke Donovan’s class conducted a classroom waste audit. “We took a close look at the amount of trash we generated after one lunch. Students counted the number of yogurt cups, plastic forks and knives, juice boxes and other trash that we generated” she noted. “Then they discussed what they could do to reduce this waste.”
Rifrullo Cafè in Brookline, Massachusetts recently earned 3-star Certified Green Restaurant® recognition from the Green Restaurant Association (GRA). In order to reach this sustainability milestone, Rifrullo owner Colleen Suhanosky took action in a range of different focus areas. In this article, we hope to expand upon Rifrullo’s practices and help other restaurants get a better idea of how they can take steps toward a smaller environmental impact as well.
If the neon pink couch and a James Beard award-winning chef wasn’t enough to draw you into Rifrullo Café before, the Brookline eatery has a new reason to warrant a visit. As of this month, Rifrullo Café had achieved the 3 star Certified Green Restaurant® recognition by the Green Restaurant Association.
If you are thinking about investing in electric vehicle charging, now may be the time. Electric vehicle use is becoming more popular across the country and there are many state government and private funding programs available - with limited time to apply! Curious to learn more? Here are answers to a few basic questions to get you started.
On the morning of April 22nd, Derby Academy students and faculty gathered to kick off Earth Week with a presentation on how to tackle today’s environmental challenges by Anne Sudduth of Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants. The address then culminated in the presentation of the National Wildlife Federation Eco Schools Bronze Award to the Derby community.
Over 40 participants from 19 schools attended the PAISBOA Sustainability meeting at The Shipley School on April 4, 2019. The theme: “Creating Cultural Change” towards sustainability. Key highlights included a tour of the School that featured sustainability measures in its operations and infrastructure, a delicious plant-based dinner, and a presentation on cultural change.
On March 16, 2019, Boyer Sudduth helped to run the Bright Ideas About Energy Workshop at the Franklin Institute. This workshop consisted of twenty-two sustainable minded teachers from the Philadelphia region seeking to enhance their understanding of energy conservation and develop tools to bring back to the classroom.
Twenty-five area business owners and community leaders attended the “How Green Is Your Business?” workshop on February 28, 2019 at Kismet. This event kicked off a pilot program — Green Business on the Hill — which aims to recognize environmentally-conscious businesses, offer tools to CHBA members who want to incorporate sustainability into their operations, and publicly position Chestnut Hill as a destination for eco-conscious consumers.
We’ve been working on something new…
Since August 2018, Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants met to organize, brainstorm, and plan -- and then organize, brainstorm and plan again, with Reading High School students, teachers and staff to develop a vision for a project that would invigorate their environmental education and school sustainability. Now it’s time for the big reveal…The Living Learning Laboratory Project. Reading High School will transform their unused school courtyard into a vibrant, biodiverse space where students can engage in hands-on STEAM learning outdoors.
The Green Committee at Reading High School believes “This project will foster a generation of citizens who are prepared to become creative and innovative leaders, to take care of their environment, and to actively participate in their community for years to come.” We think so, too!
Reading High School’s Green Committee members
RHS’s Green Committee of faculty and students review design drawings by Structure Green’s Ann Sellers (pictured second from left)
A section of the existing courtyard at RHS which will be renovated into a new outdoor learning space.
Science teacher and Green Committee faculty leader, Jeannine Michel, with one of RHS’s courtyard inhabitants--Big Mamma
We are so excited to work with a talented group of people: the students of the Eco Club, Faculty Green Committee Lead and Environmental Science teacher, Jeannine Michel (pictured below), landscape designer Ann Sellers, and agriculturalist Kent Himmelright of the Berks County Conservation District to make this vision possible. On April 11, the School will have a “Green Between” event from 3 to 5 pm with area community partners to raise awareness about the plans for the Courtyard. We hope to break ground late spring and during the summer. Check back in with us as this courtyard, and the Reading High School community, transform.
By Emma Schlam, Sustainability Intern at Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants, and grad student at Clark University pursuing dual degrees in Master of Business Administration and Master of Environmental Science and Policy.
Fuse 19: Design Thinking for Educators – Atlanta, GA
June 5 - 7, 2019
Fuse19 exists at the intersection of business and education – it is a conference for exploring the possibilities of design thinking, the maker movement, entrepreneurship and innovation. Hosted by the Mount Vernon Institute for Innovation (MVIFI) and Mount Vernon Presbyterian School (MVPS), this multi-day experience brings together leaders from education and corporate industries from around the country, with the intent to inspire transformative impact and change. Participants gain hands-on experience to build capacity as learners and leaders within their organizations and innovation teams.
Cost: $175 – $895
School Garden Teacher Training – West Sonoma County, CA
June 17 - 21, 2019
July 8 - 12, 2019
OAEC’s School Garden Teacher Training supports schools in creating and sustaining garden-based ecological literacy programs and helps build a strong cohort of colleagues.This training is designed for individuals or teams of teachers, garden educators, administrators and core parent volunteers.
Cost: $950 per participant for individuals, $900 per person for members of school teams (2+ from the same school)
Walton Sustainability Academy – Missoula, MT
June 17-21, 2019
June 24-28, 2019
July 15-19, 2019
The Walton National Sustainability Teachers’ Academy is an intensive, five-day professional development workshop for K-12 teachers held every summer. Participants receive a thorough introduction to sustainability science through hands-on activities and lectures by experts in the field. Engaging field trips highlight sustainability in action at local business and other organizations. Through ample networking opportunities, teachers become part of a dedicated community of sustainability activists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and other educators.
Application deadline: March 15, 2019
Cost: $0
Each individual receives a $300 stipend for participating in the workshop. An additional $300 stipend is available after completing a project in their home school and/or district.
Project Based Learning World Conference – Napa Valley, CA
June 18 - 20, 2019
PBL World is a one-of-a-kind, multi-day event for Project Based Learning. Each year, it brings together educators - K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, and school and district leaders - who want to begin and advance their Project Based Learning practice, and connect with a community of their peers. The event is an immersive experience that actively engages participants in deep, focused, real work, in collaboration with peers.
Cost: $1,150 – $1,475
Environmental Literature Institute at Exeter – Exeter, NH
June 23 - 28, 2019
ELI is a transformative experience designed to expand thinking about environmental education and to revitalize work with students and colleagues. This week-long teacher training aims to cultivate a community of educators interested in environmentally-focused teaching and learning. It emphasizes how the methods and approaches of disciplines in the humanities can enhance environmental learning. The various workshops, speakers, and events offers rich ideas for teachers in all disciplines, including the natural and social sciences.
Cost: $1,500
Community Works Institute on Place Based Service-Learning and Sustainability – Brooklyn, NY
June 24 - 28, 2019
Participants include a diverse group of K-16 teachers and administrators, along with community based educators.
Cost: $899 – $1,289 (early registration rates available)
Education for Sustainability Leadership Academy – Shelburne, VT
July 8 - 10, 2019
Through the ten days of this program, we create a learning community exploring Education for Sustainability (EFS), systems thinking, and leadership for school transformation. We will engage participants with new ways of thinking, skills to create change and nurture themselves, and present them with innovative ideas & strategies to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future. At the heart of this work is educators and a sense of hope, love and resilience.Cost: $1,500
Photo by Phil Kahler
Sharing Nature: An Educator’s Week – Bremen, MN
July 14 - 19, 2019
Learn practical approaches and add inspiration to your environmental education curriculum during this action-packed program. Hog Island Audubon’s experienced and enthusiastic instructors share their favorite approaches, methods, and activities for engaging both children and adults with nature.
Cost: $1,045 – $1,445
CELF Annual Summer Institute – Multiple Locations, NY
Westchester County, NY – July 15 - 18, 2019
New York City, NY – July 29 - 31, 2019
An intensive multi-day workshop that enables teachers to integrate the concepts of sustainability into their existing curricula. The Institute equips K-12 teachers with practices and teaching methods to address the core concepts of EfS – the intersection of social, economic, and ecological systems – and how the balance of those three systems is vital to a sustainable future, and relevant to all subject areas.
Cost: Westchester County, $550 per person ($500 per person for school teams of 3 or more participants)
New York City, $500 per person ($450 per person for school teams of 3 or more participants)
Education for Sustainability: Summer Institute – Shelburne, VT
July 22 - 26, 2019
This week is part conference, part workshop, part retreat. Designed to be dynamic and democratic, the Institute offers teachers the time and space to develop projects of personal interest while providing opportunities to learn from colleagues and other leaders in field of Education for Sustainability. Interactive sessions will feature a blend of individual work time, peer-to-peer feedback, resource sharing, hands-on learning experiences, and large and small group discussions.
Cost: $60
Photo By Jaime Amling
Colorado Rockies Alpine Backpacking for Educators – Colorado
July 28 - Aug 4, 2019
This eight-day wilderness experience is designed to give primary, secondary, and college educators an introduction to the Outward Bound model of experiential education.
Cost: $1,895
Adult Courses and Outdoor Adventures at the College of the Atlantic
Field Botany: Plants of New England - July 28 - August 10, 2019
From Capture to Print: Digital Photography and Photoshop - July 28 - Aug 3, 2019
Plein-Air Watercolor Painting with Rob Finn - August 4-10, 2019
Our goal is to educate and inspire life-long learners through “hands-on” experiential learning by offering programs that appeal to both new and our ever-growing list of returning participants. Learning will include on-campus studio or lab work, informal discussions or lectures, and field trips out and about in Mount Desert Island’s picturesque Acadia National Park and the outer islands of Frenchman Bay.
Cost: Varied
Summer Curriculum Design Studio: Education for a Sustainable Future – Rhinebeck, NY
Aug. 5 - 9,2019
An immersive Introduction to Education for Sustainability (EfS) over the weekend and 5 Days of Curriculum Design and Coaching. Gain access to expertise, resources and tools required to design elegant curricula for use in the classroom, protocols for professional development, or action plans designed to implement EfS change initiatives in schools and communities. Onsite lodging and meals optional.
Cost: $445 for members, $495 for non-members
Updated as of March 8, 2019
Compiled by Maryana Dumalska, Sustainability Intern at Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants, and a junior at Boston College studying Environmental Geosciences and Economics.
