Changing Communities: Camden Unified School District
One of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of our programs is watching schools enact real change in their communities. A leader in sustainability, Camden City School District (CCSD) is making huge shifts to create a greener, cleaner, more environmentally friendly community for students and families. However, this did not come without countless hours of…
Read MoreA Call to Action from Our CEO
“With,” Not “For” Students When my children were very young, I did everything for them, but as they grew I started doing more things with them so they would learn how to take care of themselves. I believe that environmental education should follow a similar framework. As soon as possible, we need to involve students…
Read MoreStudent Spotlight: Amador Valley Local Leaders of the 21st Century
Students at Amador Valley understand that recycling and composting should be part of students’ daily routine. The lessons we learn in school lay the habits of a lifetime and Local Leaders are paving the way for sustainability as they take necessary steps towards making their schools a cleaner, greener, recycling, and compost friendly environment. Since…
Read MoreGGI Interns Conduct Their 1st Waste Audit @ Community Pool
What is a waste audit? Written by: Meg Beymer and Paulina Umansky, GGI Interns What is a waste audit, and why did we bother going to the Aquatic Center for one? This summer, we’re helping city facilities become compliant with the Mandatory Recycling Ordinance (MRO), which was passed in Pleasanton due to Assembly Bills 341…
Read MoreSustainability Made Simple
Sustainability Made Simple (Byrd & Demates, 2016) is the book I’ve hoped someone would write for the past fifteen years. If you only have room on your bookshelf for one thoroughly comprehensive, supremely accessible guide to understanding the big sustainability issues affecting us and what to do about it, this is the book you need. Environmental…
Read More#StandUp4Sustainability
What Are You Worried About? What’s keeping you from being a full-throated supporter for sustainable schools in your city? I can tell you about some of the apprehensions I had when I first got involved in the green schools movement: When school leaders say, “It will cost too much,” I’m not sure what to say.…
Read MoreThe Easiest Way to Increase Money in the Classroom
Whether you’re a teacher, principal or parent volunteer, one of the biggest concerns is ensuring each classroom has the necessary supplies to provide students with a great learning experience. Countless hours are spent each year conducting fundraisers, asking parents for money, and trying to convince local companies to donate. But there is an easier way…
Read MoreLocal Leaders of the 21st Century
The Local Leaders of the 21st Century is a new program for high school students through the Go Green Initiative. Thanks to a grant from Pleasanton Garbage Service, it is being piloted at Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, CA, and will be rolled out nationwide in the coming months. The program is designed to…
Read MoreSchool Spotlight: Bishop O’Dowd High School
It’s not easy to be chosen as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School, but Bishop O’Dowd high school in Oakland, CA is no ordinary educational institution. According to its mission statement, “Bishop O’Dowd High School seeks to develop leaders of influence who are loving, open to growth, religious, intellectually competent, and skilled leaders…
Read MoreStudent Spotlight: Graphic Novel Inspires Recycling
St. Benedict’s Prep (SBP) was recently featured on 60 Minutes. SBP is an all-boys 7th-12th grade school in the inner city of Newark, NJ. The school is currently run by Alumnus Fr. Edwin Leahy, O.S.B., and has been operated by the Benedictine monks of Newark Abbey since 1868. Thanks to a grant from Covanta, I have had the…
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