A Note from Jane
Educators have recently encountered more than a few challenges and opportunities. Most of us are “people-people.” So, like me, you may be missing face-to-face interaction with students, educators, and community partners who make our jobs so rewarding. But we are lucky to be able to stay in touch virtually. I have been busy creating, finding, and sharing online environmental education resources that educators, students, and families can access to keep students learning while schools are closed. Thanks to all my environmental education partners for sharing their favorite resources.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Send your suggestions for consideration here.
Jane HillerEducation Director, Sonoco Recycling
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Virtual Learning: Plastic Bag Recycling
Thanks to the Carolina Recycling Association for providing this video showing what happens to plastic bags and film when they get recycled.
Hands-On Upcycling at Home Project
Grow your own hydroponic veggies for free! Start by upcycling a plastic bottle. Cut off and invert the top third of the bottle into the base. Next cut and insert a lettuce or celery end into the planter filled with enough water to touch the plant. Place it in a bright, cool setting, and wait for a healthy treat while you watch to see how plants grow. Read more here.
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Did You Know?
You have probably heard of meatless burgers. Now, a company that makes eggs from mung-beans is partnering with Sodexo to bring plant-based eggs to schools, hospitals and office buildings. This innovation could have a positive climate impact, using 98% less water and 83% less land, and emitting 93% less carbon dioxide than conventional eggs.
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- School videos or pictures with detailed captions documenting students learning, doing, and teaching others, originally due April 1, are now due. Not finished with everything? Just submit what you have here.
Some schools have been continuing their projects remotely. This is a great example from a teacher at Blue Ridge Elementary School sending videos so his students can watch the progress of their beehive project.
- Green Step Mentor Evaluations, originally due May 1, have been postponed to June 1.
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Joyce Moran, Green Step teacher at Irmo High School, was recently highlighted as the WLTX teacher of the week for her work teaching academic, social and life skills in their Sting Deli. Her students had planned to make and donate Earth Day themed treats for the Columbia’s “EARTH DAY Five Oh!” celebration, which sadly had to be cancelled due to COVID-19.
Ms. Moran’s students are also:
- Growing blueberries, herbs and vegetables to include in their recipes
- Making compost to fertilize their plants
- Capturing rainwater in rain barrels they helped make to keep their plants watered
- Collecting recycling at their school
- Making great upcycled items like dog toys from old t-shirts
Appreciation also goes to the Lexington County Green Step mentors helping with these projects: Linda Byars, Traude Sander, John Oxner and Mary Hite.
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Events in May
MAY 4-8
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Weather Service (NOAA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Department of State announced the upcoming 2020 Air Quality Awareness Week. The theme this year is “Better Air, Better Health.” With a respiratory virus crippling our nation, what could be timelier? Air Quality Awareness Week educational resources for families and teachers will launch on May 4.
Details here.
MAY 12 (8-9am)
Midlands EEASC Virtual Meet-Up
Register here
UPCOMING
JUNE 23-25 (8:30 am – 4 pm, daily)
4H20 Camp for youth, ages 8-12 at Lake Murray
The class includes water sampling, a tour of the Water Treatment Plant, activities with the Auxiliary Coast Guard and more. The class costs $60 and is limited to 20 students. Pre‐registration is required (first come, first-served basis.)
Contact: Rosemary Martin-Jones or call 803.722.119
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