Sustainable Summers Start Now!

Dear Educators,

The countdown to summer break has begun, but there's still plenty of time for student projects and activities:

Pledge to practice sustainability this summer with your class and get entered for a chance to win a sustainability kit for your classroom
Create a student video for the Washington Green Schools video contest
Host a lesson with our educator to wrap up the school year with engaging activities on water, waste, or energy
Fill out a quick grant application for the opportunity to add an herb garden to your classroom next year

The Sustainable Schools team is honored to work with so many wonderful, eco-conscious classrooms and schools throughout Whatcom County. Below, see all the amazing classrooms we've certified this year, read more about Irene Reither Elementary, who updated their lunchroom waste stations, below and on our webpage, and help us celebrate our Earth Day Success!

Already certified or too busy to fit us in this year? Get a jump start on your 2016-2017 planning and register for next year's workshop now. Our Green Classroom Coordinator will contact you in the fall to pin down the final details.

In kindness,

Haley Mountain

Green Classroom Coordinator

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Sustainable Schools Summer Pledge

Deadline: Wednesday, June 8th

Prize: Classroom Sustainability Kit

Whether you were certified this year or not, take 15 minutes of class time to discuss daily changes students can make to conserve water, save energy, and reduce their waste this summer. Use one of our existing pledges or create your own and have students fill out the "It all starts with ME" pledge worksheet while you submit the online form. Refer a friend and receive an additional entry into the drawing. On Thursday, June 9th we will randomly choose one classroom to win a classroom sustainability kit with a climate change board game, CFL light bulbs, RE Store gift certificate, and more! Read more.

Student Video Contest: Building Green Communities

Washington Green Schools

Deadline:Wednesday, June 1st

Washington Green Schools wants to know how your students plan to tackle big-world issues like building a sustainable future. In 90-seconds or less, have your students answer these two questions - "How do we cultivate a sustainable future?" and "How can kids lead the way?" Submit your video for a chance to win Mariners tickets. Read more.

The Donald Samull Classroom Herb Garden Grant

The Herb Society of America

Deadline: October 1st, 2016

Before the end of the year, submit a quick proposal to get a classroom herb garden for the 2016-201-7 school year. The Herb Society of America honors Mr. Samull with this grant. Mr. Samull shared his love of herbs by bringing the small, beautiful gardens into his classroom.Indoor and outdoor herb garden options are available. Read more.

During the 2015-2016 school year, over 35 classrooms have earned their certification in one or more of our three topics; waste prevention, water conservation, and energy efficiency and climate change. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to making our community and world a safer, healthier place for all. See photos and read more about each classroom's success.

T his March, the Sustainable Schools team partnered up with Irene Reither's custodian, John Picht (pictured left), and Assistant Principal, Adrienne Somera, to update their cafeteria waste stations and educate students on the importance of composting and practicing waste prevention. Thank you for setting such a great example, Irene Reither! Read more.

For more information on waste prevention and creating a towards zero waste lunchroom, contact the Sustainable Schools team at [email protected].

Birchwood 1st graders were joined by the Bellingham Kiwanis Club, Congressman Rick Larsen, and the Sustainable Schools team on Earth Day to cleanup the interurban trail and beach at Little Squalicum Park. Students used this project to complete their Green Classroom Certification in water conservation. Together, we collected over 40 pounds of trash and even made the news - read more.

Don't forget - it's not too late to register for your Green Classroom Workshop ! Our Green Classroom Educator is available for both one- and two-time sessions and can work around your testing schedule. Email her today at [email protected] .

A program to help teachers integrate conservation education into curriculum and initiate positive action in the classroom. Read more.

Sustainable Schools is a program of RE Sources for Sustainable Communities.

OUR VISION People in northwestern Washington living satisfying lives in accord with the ecosystem we depend on - generation after generation.

OUR MISSION RE Sources promotes sustainable communities and protects the health of northwestern Washington' people and ecosystems through application of science, education, advocacy and action.

2309 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA 98225 | (360) 733.8307 x100 | re-sources.org