10th Annual Oregon Green Schools Summit A Success!

Oregon Green Schools from across the state sent their students, teachers, and recycling educators to the 10th Annual Oregon Green Schools Summit hosted by Willamette High School on March 17th in Eugene. In cars, busses and vans, they "Followed the Rainbow to a Greener World" and learned the many ways to conserve school resources to create a greener school, community and world.

The day started with an inspiring presentation by Jo Rodgers, Recycling Educator from BRING Recycling to a full house of nearly 400 representatives from 68 schools. Students brought school displays showcasing their school programs, and exhibitors were on hand throughout the day to encourage greater resource conservation. Alex Cuyler, Chair of the Association of Oregon Recyclers spoke at lunch about empowering each student to make a difference greening our world.

Students attended educational sessions centered on resource conservation themes. Student favorites included the Oregon Green School showcase, paper-making, waste audits, worm bin composting, Recycle Jeopardy, and Watt Watchers. Other sessions focused on maximizing school recycling, creating school gardens and wildlife areas, modernizing Oregon's bottle bill, sustainable agriculture, electronics recycling, watershed protection, polystyrene recycling, adult and teen roundtables, giant but lovable bugs, and a real favorite... electric car racing by Willamette High's very own racing team.

The day would not have been possible without the help of all the Oregon Green School Coordinators who planned the event. A special thank you goes to Willamette High's Ecology Class volunteers for their help before, during and after the Summit. Bethel School District Catering Services provided a delicious and healthy breakfast and lunch on washable service-ware, and all food waste and soiled paper was composted after the event.

Many thanks too, go to our sponsors! School waste and recycling haulers covered the cost of teacher reimbursements and transportation, and other generous sponsors covered the costs of food, materials, entertainment, volunteer t-shirts and more!

The Summit finale was "The Recycling Magic Show" by Washington State Magician Steffan Soule. Students were awed and educated as they "assisted" him in many of his magic tricks, each tied to a recycling message and theme. Door prizes by coordinators, exhibitors and summit sponsors made it possible for everyone to take home a special gift to remember the day.

Many attendees were treated to rainbows in the sky on their way home from the Summit, and left knowing that the real pot of gold at the end of their rainbow was their school, their home, their community and this planet we call home.

Here are some quotes from teachers and students that attended the Summit

Teachers:

"I was pleased to see so many young people informed and involved as presenters!"

"Our school has attended the Green Schools Summit before but this was a first time for me. I was very impressed. Excellent sessions and enthusiasm. Thanks to all for their efforts!"

"A fantastic event which inspired me and the kids to get excited about being a Green School and gave us great ideas about how to become a Merit school.
Wonderful all around, I loved that the kids went to session on their own.
Great, great, great day! Thank you all so much!"

"I love the inspiration, sharing, and positive focus of this event."

"It is great to be a part of something grand!"

Students:

"I thought this was great. I want to come next year."

"I loved this summit because there were so many fun activities"

"This is one of the best field trip I have ever been to, it was awesome!"

"Thank you for a great day of fun and learning, I hope I get to come back again!"