Greening Schools News

Recycle Your Gear to Help Combat Global E-Waste

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:57:49 GMT

Source: PC World, 2/23/10.

The UN says global e-waste is growing by about 40 million tons every year, and some countries will see a 500 percent increase in e-waste by 2020. With so many discarded gadgets and devices already in landfills across the world, you may be wondering what you can do to get rid of your old computer monitors or that flip phone sitting in your desk drawer.

MN: Do It Green! Minnesota Offers Free Guidebooks to Schools and Libraries

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:24:25 GMT

Source: Do It Green via SEEK, 2/3/10.

Do It Green! Minnesota, a local non-profit that educates Minnesotans about living green and sustainably, is offering free green living guidebooks to school classrooms and libraries. The guidebook contains over 100 pages of local resources, personal stories, articles and tips on living greener and taking care of our environment. The articles are for upper middle school through high school student reading levels.

Participants sought for survey on home energy use

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:53:30 GMT

Source: Environmental News Bits, 2/24/10.

The study, which is being conducted by a research team at the University of California, is interested in your observations and experiences of your home energy use as well as any feedback devices you may have used. The study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at University of California, Irvine. (Online survey; 10-15 minutes to complete.)

U.S. Utilities Spent $5.3 Billion on Energy Efficiency Programs in 2009

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:54:59 GMT

Source: EERE News, 2/24/10.

U.S. utilities increased their spending on energy efficiency programs by 43% in 2009, according to a new report from the nonprofit Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE), which represents energy efficiency program administrators from across the United States and Canada.

NY: NYSERDA Funds Creative Energy Education Projects in Classrooms Across New York State

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:12:04 GMT

Source: NYSERDA, 217/10.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced today that it is awarding $11,200 to 23 innovative projects that will teach students about global climate change and energy efficient behavior. The awards, which provide up to $500 in funds to K-12 educators, are part of a program that has provided energy education to more than 5,500 educators statewide, benefitting more than 600,000 students in New York State since 2004.

Why Bringing Employees on Board Helps Sustainability Projects Succeed

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:09:12 GMT

Source: GreenBiz, 2/22/10.

Getting employees engaged and educated on sustainability practices and a company's specific green goals can save millions by boosting efficiency and making those goals more likely to succeed. That is the top-level finding of a new study by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), which finds that environmental and sustainability (E&S) employee education and engagement initiatives can boost the bottom line, reduce environmental impacts, and help retain and attract talent.

Eliminating Dining Hall Waste

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:12:41 GMT

Source: Daily Pennsylvanian, 2/8/10.

Penn Dining has launched its Scrape Bucket Campaign -- a five-day challenge to track and reduce food waste in Penn dining halls.

From Monday until Friday, diners in all Penn dining halls will be asked to dump their excess food into measuring buckets. Members of the Penn Environmental Group and Penn Eco-Reps are volunteering to direct the diners.

USPS expands recycling program to 2,500 additional sites

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:52:57 GMT

Source: Waste and Recycling News, 2/16/10.

The U.S. Postal Service is expanding its Post Office Box Lobby Recycling Program to almost 2,500 additional sites, boosting the total to more than 8,000 locations.

Wind powers school, educates students

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:09:43 GMT

Source: Toronto Star, 2/16/10.

High school's own turbine generates up to 40 percent of its electrical needs...

Olympic Medals Comprised of Electronic Waste

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:23:07 GMT

Source: Electronic Products & Technology, 2/10/10.

After a two-year-long design competition, the 2010 Winter Olympic medals were chosen last October. But design isn't the only cool part. Weighing in at a record 500-576 grams, the medals are made from recycled electronics.