
11th Annual Oregon
Green Schools Summit Breaks Record

Seventy-four Oregon Green Schools from
across the state sent delegations of students, teachers, and recycling educators
to the Green Schools Summit in Eugene on March 2nd. The one-day conference
was an opportunity for schools to learn, share and celebrate their waste
reduction and resource conservation successes. With more than 400 enthusiastic
attendees, this was our largest Summit to date!
Each
school group brought a school display touting their school program, and
regional exhibitors were on hand throughout the day to provide resources
for greater resource conservation. This year’s “Global Perspective” theme
focused on sustainable efforts around the world and how each personal choice
affects the global community.
Students
attended educational sessions taught by resource conservation enthusiasts,
both volunteer and professional. Student favorites included the Oregon Green
School showcase, paper-making, waste audits, worm bin composting, recycled
crafting, Watt Watchers “Attract to Zap” program, Earth Tub
composting program and school gardens.
Adult
sessions centered on global warming, maximizing school recycling,
creating school gardens, current Oregon bottle bill legislation, sustainable
food choices, and roundtable discussions for teens and adults. Adults were
inspired by a walking tour of nearby Cesar Chavez Elementary/Family School.
Special thanks also go to all of the Oregon Green School
Coordinators who lent a hand organizing and staffing the event. Special
efforts were made to keep this a low-waste event: breakfast and lunch were
served using fully biodegradable plates and all food waste, utensils and
soiled paper were composted after the event, allowing participants to see
zero waste and sustainable principles in action.
MANY
THANKS to our generous
sponsors! School waste and recycling haulers covered the cost of
teacher substitutes and transportation. Other generous sponsors, including
Weyerhaeuser, covered the costs of food, materials, entertainment,
volunteer t-shirts and more!
The finale - EarthCapades Environmental Vaudeville
- reinforced the Summit’s sustainability message with fun and education.
Door prizes donated by coordinators, exhibitors and summit sponsors were
awarded, and everyone got to take home a yo-yo made from recycled plastic.
Read more about past Summits:
2006
Summit
2005 - Learning Today…Acting
for Tomorrow
2004 – Oregon Green
Schools Team up for the Environment! 2002 – “Reaching the Summit” at
Centennial Middle School
2001 – “Making Connections”at
Dallas High School
|