The PAISBOA Sustainability Group convened at The Agnes Irwin School (AIS) on January 14th. Head of School, Dr. Wendy Hill, welcomed over 36 participants from 13 different institutions and highlighted how sustainability has been integrated into the buildings and classrooms at AIS along with a special focus on aquaponics.
Composting in Philadelphia has not always been so easy. This is what inspired Tim Bennett of Bennett Compost to start his own company to help make Philadelphia a greener city. Ten years ago while living in a second-floor apartment in South Philly, Tim Bennett struggled to find a facility that would compost his food waste. He quickly discovered that there were no on-site composting site for city residents. This may discourage most folks, but not Tim.
Due to their persistence and connection to serious potential health effects, the chemical compounds known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “fluorinated additives have come under increasing scrutiny from toxicologists, ecologists, and regulators over the past two decades. Among other uses, these chemicals have been added to single-use foodware products in order to impart water- and grease-resistance.
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.
