Your resource for environmental education updates, workshops, and more.
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December 2020
Volume: 31 Issue: 4
Engage your students in imagining the future of the built world!
Important dates:
* Register Feb 1- April 16
* Projects due April 23
* Winners announced mid-May
High school students work in teams to design a sustainable building in a bid for cash prizes of up to $500. Students collaborate remotely to research, design, and present their model for a panel of professionals from design fields including architecture and engineering.

Whether you are an eco-club sponsor, science teacher or career advisor, you can help your students discover the world of sustainable design.

Open to any DuPage County high school student. Adapted for remote participation.
This is a program of SCARCE and DuPage County Stormwater Management.
Green STEM Institute Day Virtual Class
Friday, February 26th, 2021 - Earn 5 PDs
Join us to delve into environmental issues we face in our community and the discover the role sustainable solutions play. This class includes:
  • Live presentations
  • Virtual peer collaborations
  • Interactive discussions
  • Guided virtual tours
Activities and concepts are NGSS-aligned, highly teachable and learnable for multiple grade levels.
This program is funded by Cool DuPage and DuPage County Stormwater Management.
This month we highlight the many schools and students contributed to the great success of the annual Pumpkin Smash and Walker School in Clarendon Hills, which was awarded the Earth Flag.
The Pumpkin Smash at Hinsdale South High School in Darien, run by the ECO Club.
Walker School in Clarendon Hills was awarded the Earth Flag.
Illinois seniors are invited to apply for four $2,000 scholarships through the Conservation Achievement Scholarship program. Ideal candidates have shown dedication to the preservation, protection, enhancement and/or promotion of Illinois' natural resources. The application deadline is March 1st, 2021.
The results are in - and we have a new record! The 2020 Pumpkin Smash diverted 159 tons of pumpkins from landfills to restore our soil. There were 49 locations around Illinois collecting pumpkins for composting after Halloween. Many thanks to all the organizations, schools, and local governments that hosted and to all who attended!
Celebrate World Soil Day by joining this free screening of Kiss the Ground - an inspiring environmental film about the solution to climate change that lies under our feet. Hosted by KidsGardening.org. Register here.

Encourage your students to follow up by exploring the extensive resources at KIsstheGround.com to learn more and find out how to take action. Teachers can download a free middle school curriculum.
Remote Learning with SCARCE
  • Schedule a live virtual program for your students on soil, water, the 3Rs, and more. Email jean@scarce.org to discuss options for your students.

  • Check out our new eLearning resources. Each is accompanied by NGSS and sources for further exploration.
SCARCE has a 30-year history of making real, positive change for individuals, communities and the environment as a whole. We could not have made it this far without the generous support of our friends. If you are able, please show your support with a monetary gift this holiday season.

Your donation will allow us to continue our mission: to educate and share resources for the good health of our entire planet. Learn more about what we've accomplished together.

More Ways to Support SCARCE
SCARCE Donations & Deliveries on Hold
SCARCE is not accepting donations/deliveries through December 14th.
Starting December 15th we will begin accepting books, LP records and recycling projects only (such as holiday lights, keys, and Terracycle items). We are not taking school or office supplies for the time being. Visit scarce.org for an updated list.
We are at limited capacity due to the spike in COVID cases and the governor's stay-at-home advisory. Thank you for understanding!
SCARCE Holiday Break
SCARCE will be closed starting at noon on Wednesday, December 23rd through Sunday, January 3rd.
Drop-offs will not be accepted during this time.
We wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season!
Upcoming Eco-Events
Dec 5
Jan 5
Feb 1
Thank you to our November volunteers

  • Glenbard South High School Key Club - Glen Ellyn
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities:
Our volunteer program is currently on hold.
Katie Tonielli, former Glenbard South student, volunteered remotely making super crayons and wrapping gifts for SCARCE's contribution to the DuPage County Sheriff's Shop with a Cop.
Our reuse center couldn't function without our amazing volunteers that dedicate their time each week to sorting, stocking, and organizing.

We miss them and can't wait to have them back!
Mon-Fri: 9am-4:30pm
Saturdays 9am-12pm

Upcoming Special Dates
CLOSED......noon Wed, Dec 23-Sun, Jan 3rd
Helpful Links
Be a part of this initiative!
Support SCARCE while you shop!
Report stormwater issues online.
School gardening tips, grants, and more.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Recycling guide, trail system & more!
Ripples | SCARCE | 630.545.9710 | info@scarce.org | www.scarce.org
This newsletter was created by SCARCE and funded in part by the DuPage County Board, Daniel Cronin, Chairman,the DuPage County Environmental Committee, Liz Chaplin, Chair, and the DuPage County Stormwater Committee, James Zay, Chair.
SCARCE Team
Kay McKeen, founder & director; Jan Breyne, Laura Fanning, Heather Goudreau,
Carrie Horak, Bev Jaszczurowski, Erin Kennedy, Jean Kent, & Rose Naseef

Environmental education programs are operated by SCARCE
This newsletter is part of the Teacher Training Program funded by DuPage County.
Our Professional Development Provider Number: 190000000000000
The mention of a specific product or company is not an endorsement by DuPage County's Environmental Education Program.