A New Sustainability Initiative by Lauren Winkler More than twenty five years ago, when I was living in Germany, I noticed that nearly all drivers turned off their vehicle engines when stopped at a traffic light. It was one of many cultural differences I observed that sparked my curiosity. A German friend explained, while pointing out a young mother pushing her bundled baby in a sturdy pram, that this was done “for the air, for everyone, but mostly for the children!” According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hazardous air pollutants emitted from vehicles, also known as mobile air toxics, have the potential for serious adverse health effects, including cancer, respiratory illness and birth defects. Children are particularly susceptible to air pollution and these risks for several reasons. Their smaller stature exposes them to higher concentrations of vehicle emissions that […]
Batteries are Everywhere…
And according to the EPA, Americans throw away more than 86,000 tons of disposable alkaline batteries each year — which if placed end-to-end “would circle the world at least six times.” What can we do? Using rechargeable batteries can help reduce the amount of batteries that are thrown away. Rechargeable batteries don’t last forever, but they can be recharged 500 to 1000 times. This means that each rechargeable battery can potentially save 499 disposable batteries from being thrown away! In the IT Office, we buy a lot of batteries to help support the many devices on Stone Ridge’s campus – and we are committed to switching completely to rechargeable batteries this year. We started the Battery Bar – a place for teachers and staff who need a charged-up battery to come by and grab one, and return used-up rechargeable batteries […]
New LS Books about Caring for Our Earth!
Reviewed and Written by 4th Graders My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan. This book is about how the Earth provides so many things that help us, plants, and all the animals. The Earth brings us water and food that we need. The book helps us understand that if we don’t take care of the Earth, then we might not have what we need! (ZT – 4H) Save the Ocean by Bethany Stahl This book shows you what would happen if too many plastic bags were put in the ocean. It also shows that turtles and other animals can mistake plastic bags for food. When they eat the plastic bags they can get hurt.(MMS-4W) What if Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick This book shows you what would happen if everyone did something they were not supposed to do. It shows […]
Stone Ridge Bikes!
Each year, June 3 is UN World Bike Day – a day dedicated by the UN to celebrating bicycles and biking! “World Bicycle Day draws attention to the benefits of using the bicycle — a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation.” –United Nations Montgomery County hopes that biking will become a daily means of transportation that can help achieve local sustainability goals and improve our lives and health. Stone Ridge 5th graders celebrated World Bike Day by learning about biking around the world and bike safety, and practicing bike maintenance and tuning. In the sunny late morning, they took to Rock Creek Trail for a 5-mile group bike ride.
Environmental Cleanup Efforts
Do some of your own local cleanup any time – and use #trashtag to participate in the Trashtag Challenge
Sustainability: What teachers say…
We all try to help the environment. We know all about the 3 R’s, not to litter, and not to waste water. But there is so much more we can do to be sustainable and eco friendly. Many people have lots of things they do at home to be green- and sometimes we forget how many ways there are to help the environment. In this article, we will show you the ideas from some of our most important influencers: teachers. If you look in a dictionary, you will find that the definition of ‘sustainable‘ is “the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.” But it can be hard to apply that definition to being eco-friendly. So what does it really mean to be sustainable? In terms of ecology, which is the study of ecosystems and how they […]
Try Vegan Cookies 🍪
“Plant-based foods generally use less energy, land and water, and cause less greenhouse gases.” United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Vegan Recipe of the Month This is a family favorite from well-known vegan blogger and cookbook author Dreena Burton. Check out more recipes at dreenaburton.com Spelt is an ancient grain with many health benefits. It’s used in this cookie from Viva le Vegan! VEGAN SPELT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES 1 1/4 cups spelt flour1/4 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/4 cup granulated sugar1/3 cup maple syrup1/3 cup canola oil (or other vegetable oil)1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract1/3 cup toasted pecans2/3 cup vegan chocolate chips or some cut-up vegan chocolate bar …read more…
Recycle
Learn about recycling hard-to-recycle items at terracycle.com Battery recycling Did you know you can recycle your household batteries? We are working on providing collection sites for batteries at Stone Ridge, but in the meantime, you can learn about proper recycling and disposal of your batteries in Montgomery County Crayon recycling Reduce carbon while driving Reduce the time you allow your car to idle
Choose Vegan
Add some vegan meals to your menu! Learn about the environmental (and health!) benefits of a plant-based diet by watching documentaries such as Vegucated and Forks Over Knives. Did you know that just one vegan meal per week saves water, reduces greenhouse gases, and works toward reducing pollution related to animal agriculture? Commit to trying one (or more!) vegan meals a week. Try a Plant-based Recipe! It can be as easy as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or you can branch out with some new recipes and ideas from blogs like: Minimalist Baker Chocolate Covered Katie The Vegan 8 Oh She Glows Loving It Vegan Plant Based Juniors and many, many more… This week, try making 12 minute fried rice from kitchentreaty.com (don’t forget to press the moisture out of your tofu!)