Educational Resources
Countdown to Zero Waste
Everything we buy and use comes from somewhere, and that somewhere is our planet Earth. Many resources took millions of years to develop and are not renewable, which means that once they are removed from the ground, they cannot be replaced.
Download pdf Countdown to Zero Waste (237 KB)
Download Environmental Quotes
Food Waste ReductionToolkit
The Toolkit is a comprehensive resource that provides all schools the tools to tackle the issue of wasted food. It identifies the main sources of wasted food in schools and, using the EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy as a framework, offers strategies for:
- Measuring food waste
- Preventing food waste
- Food recovery and redistribution
- Composting food scraps
- Education and engagement
- Communicating and celebrating success.
Download Food Waste Reduction Toolkit for Illinois Schools
Download Grants and Awards (404 KB).
History of Earth Day
Earth Day Celebrated on April 22 Since 1970
Earth Day, which started off as a local annual event, is now observed globally. It is a significant day of the year, because people from all nations, backgrounds, races, colors, religions, and all other human-made barriers actually celebrate their similarities – living on Earth as neighbors.
Download the History of Earth Day
Set Up A Recycling Program
Recycling is important, it saves energy, water and conserves natural resources, as well as reduces the amount of waste going to landfills. Recycling can be beneficial to your school by cutting down on garbage disposal costs and making students and faculty aware of environmental concerns. It also allows individuals to demonstrate responsibility by reducing waste instead of creating it.
Start an Ecology Club
Once you have established goals and objectives for the club, make an appointment with your principal to share your terrific ideas.
Write a mission statement or purpose to stay focused.
Download How To Start an Ecology Club
Waste Free Lunch Tips
It has been estimated that, on average, a single school-age child generates 67 pounds of lunchtime waste per school year, or 18,760 pounds, of lunch waste for one average-size elementary school. Why use educational dollars to pay for trash disposal? Every single piece of packaging or excess food that we eliminate from the waste stream makes a difference. Please do your part to help! Everybody Needs to be “On Board"
Download pdf Waste-Free Lunch Tips (554 KB)
Waste Free Lunch Letter
It has been estimated that, on average, a single school-age child generates 67 pounds of lunchtime waste per school year, or 18,760 pounds, of lunch waste for one average-size elementary school. Why use educational dollars to pay for trash disposal? Every single piece of packaging or excess food that we eliminate from the waste stream makes a difference. Please do your part to help! Everybody Needs to be “On Board"
Download pdf Sample Waste-Free Lunch Letter to Parents (459 KB)