Dear Sue,
Thanks for all of the things all of you do to teach your students and help them to take care of the environment.
Thank You to all of the schools who have scheduled Book Rescue and Tools for Schools drop offs. Your scheduling efforts really help us. We wish that you could see the lives that you change.
We at SCARCE have so much for which we are thankful. The past year has been phenomenal and so much of it is because of you.
Thank you,
The SCARCE Team
 P.S. A special thanks to Bob Blaus and the students from York HS who volunteered and helped at the first Elmhurst Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding Event -
10,500 lbs. of paper and 20,625 lbs. of electronics were collected at the Elmhurst event!
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Groundwater Flow Model Workshop
Saturday, November 7
8:00 a.m. - Noon
4 CPDUs
- For Middle & High School Science/Environmental Teachers
- Construct YOUR OWN Groundwater Flow model to take back to your school (One Model per School)
- Actually SEE how groundwater moves & how water is affected by that movement
- Use this model to also teach about stormwater management
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Make 'n Take Natural Resources Globe
Tuesday, November 10
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
1.5 CPDUs
- ALL ES / MS teachers (1st - 6th Grade)- Great for ECO-Club Sponsors, ESL, Alternative & Sp Ed teachers
- Make a "Natural Resources Globe," an
interactive teaching tool that's filled with hands-on examples that
allow students to SEE & FEEL our natural resources
- The globe helps your students learn
about ISLS natural resources: how they are used, where they come from,
differences between annually renewable, rapidly renewable, &
non-renewable
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The Energy Bike Workshop
Thursday, November 12
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
2 CPDUs
- ALL EDUCATORS GRADES 4-12
- Discover the "Enlightened" way to use the Energy Bike, a
powerful, hands-on (and FEET-ON!) learning tool -Bring energy
conservation to life for your student
- Help students of all ages move from the
abstract to a concrete understanding of energy use as they "feel" how
much energy it takes to light incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs
- Borrow the bike for your students to see & feel pedaling energy being transformed into light energy
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What are We Doing to Our Parks?
What are We Doing to Ourselves?
In October 2009, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization issued a 68-page report discussing the effects of climate change on our National Parks. The most devastating results, thus far, can be seen in 25 of our National Parks. However, that number will continue to grow, if we do not take action now.
"Human disruption of the climate is the greatest threat ever to our national parks."
A loss of snow, ice and water inland as well as rising sea levels and stronger coastal storms seem to be some of the biggest causes of the negative changes taking place. From melting glaciers to a loss of snow on the peaks of mountains to diminishing rivers to rising coastal waters which could completely engulf four of our parks, there is concern about the harm which will come to plants, trees and wildlife.
The report discusses what will possibly happen environmentally if we continue with our current environmental practices. However, hope is offered if a large enough sector of the world makes changes to reduce the amount of carbon emissions produced.
It is a great report to read through and a good source of information for older students.
To view the report, click on "National Parks in Peril: The Threats of Climate Disruption".
For more information directly related to the Midwest, the Union of Concerned Scientists also issued reports this fall. Click on Union of Concerned Scientists to find the reports.
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Going G reen for the Holidays?
The SCARCE Green Buying Guide
can Help!
Now is the time to start planning those holiday purchases. Consider buying "GREEN" - it is good for the environment and the people who receive them.
But, WHY is buying "GREEN" the thing to do?
When you buy "green", you are buying sustainable, reusable, recyclable items. When those items are no longer needed, they can be used by someone else, recycled or even composted. Plus, to make those items requires less of our natural resources and energy than their counterparts. Not to mention that the effects of the Carbon Footprint left behind are lighter than non-sustainable things.
Click the link, SCARCE Green Buying Guide.
The SCARCE Green Buying Guide is by no means a conclusive list, so if you do not find what you need, just google it.
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Tips for an Eco-Friendly
Holiday Season
The holidays are such a crazy time of year with everyone running to and fro trying to find the perfect "everything" for the people they care about. It is the perfect time to remember to care about the environment as well.
 Here are some simple tips to give a thoughtful gift and to reduce your impact on the environment - every little bit makes a difference: - If you must have a real tree, make it a live one that can be re-planted when you are finished.
- Bring your own reusable bags as you do your shopping - it saves oil.
- If you need new Christmas lights, buy LED bulbs - they are safer because they stay cool and use far less energy!
- Use Alternative Forms of Wrapping Paper (i.e.: reusable bags, the c
 omics, a pretty scarf, a tea/bath/kitchen towel that can be part of the gift, creative wraps - see above.) Regular wrapping paper is NOT recyclable. - Use last year's Christmas cards as Gift Tags
 - Try to buy gifts with as little packaging as possible - packaging is just wasted natural resources
- Avoid using paper/styrofoam plates - reusable dinnerware or bio-degradable/compostable plates (if you have a compost pile) are best
Consider giving a gift that keeps the spirit of the season all year - in someone else's name: donate to  a charity (SCARCE is a good charity!) adopt an animal at the zoo plant a tree(s) Gi ve a gift with an Environmental Purpose that they will really use:  Eco-friendly clothing/accessories made from sustainable or re-purposed materials- funky, cool reusable bags & totes
- Reusable, BPA-free water bottles (stainless steel & aluminum are best)
- Low flow shower head
- CFLs or LED light bulbs
- Shower/water filters which remove harmful substances
- Buy items coming from Fair Trade sources who offer fair wages to third world countries. Include a little tag explaining your purchase
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The Book Rescue Celebrates
National Family Literacy - November 1st
National
Family Literacy Day is officially the 1st of November, however, you are
encouraged to continue activities throughout the month. Get your
students and their families involved.
Do you need books for
your classroom or for your students? Do you have students who probably do not have books at home? Come to the Book Rescue - we have
library books that you can take for FREE for your classrooms and
students. All of the books have been rescued from the landfill and
would love to be placed in the home or classroom of a needy child!
Visit our website SCARCE - Book Rescue or call for hours.
Would you like ideas for the day? Click on National Family Literacy Day for lesson plans & more.
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Electronics Recycling Collections
for the rest of 2009
With the COLD weather quickly approaching, outdoor events will be limited. Listed below are the Electronics Recycling Collections that are left for the rest of 2009.
November 7
Bloomingdale Twnshp, 123 N Rosedale Rd, Bloomingdale, 8 am-Noon
Wheaton , Wheaton Public Works, W Liberty, 9 am-Noon
November 13
Westmont, Ty Warner Overflow Prkg Lot, 660 N Blackhawk, 9am-Noon
November 21
Downers Grove Twnshp, Public Works Bld, 318 E Quincy, 8am-Noon
December 5
Wheaton, Wheaton Public Works, W Liberty, 9am-Noon
See the DuPage County website for other ongoing county sponsored collections in your area. Just click here, DPC Electronics Recycling.
ACCEPTED ITEMS:
TVs, VCRs, DVD players, cameras, computers/laptops, copiers, cords,
discs, electric typewriters, fax/adding machines, hard drives,
keyboards, mice, monitors, PDAs, printers, scanners, small kitchen
appliances, radios, speakers, stereos, telephones, zip drives.
Do you need information for Different Kinds of RECYCLING? Click here for the DuPage County Recycling Guide or Recycling Services.
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November 15th
America Recycles Day
is Just Around the Corner
It's NOT Too Late to Plan an Event!!!
America
Recycles Day is November 15th and no matter what your school chooses to
do, whether big or small, it all matters. Organize a collection(s);
change a regularly used item to one which is reusable or recyclable;
buy or giveaway reusable bags; give your students pencils made out of
old jeans, junk mail or old money. Whatever it is, do something so that
your students know that their teacher/principal understands that this
is important.
For more information, ideas or to register an activity, click on the link, America Recycles Day.
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InvenTeam Grant up to $10,000 each
Applications due in Spring for 2010-11 school year
The InvenTeam initiative, created by the Lemelson-MIT Program,
offers an unparalleled opportunity for high school students to
cultivate their creativity and experience invention.
InvenTeams are teams of high school students, teachers, and mentors
that receive grants up to $10,000 each to invent technological
solutions to real-world problems. Each InvenTeam chooses its own
problem to solve.
Click on the link for more information or to apply InvenTeams
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Sea World / Busch Gardens
Environmental Excellence Awards
(8) - $10,000 Awards
Applications due by 5:00 p.m., November 30, 2009
Since
1993, the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks have
recognized the outstanding efforts of K-12 students
and teachers across the country who are working
at the grassroots level to protect and preserve
the environment. The "SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Environmental Excellence Awards" provides
school and community groups with a monetary award,
national recognition and some well-deserved fun
at one of our parks.
For more information and to apply for the award, click the link SW/BG Environmental Excellence Award
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DCAT "Making a Difference" Award
$2,500 Award
Applications due November 30, 2009
This award will recognize and honor excellence in a science program
developed and implemented by middle-level science teachers, grades
6-12. Entries must show innovative and effective teaching strategies
combined with a science program that has influenced students to explore
and investigate science and its application to global problems.
For more information and application about this award and other NSTA awards, click on the link, DCAT "Making a Difference" Award.
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US EPA National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program
Request for Proposals closes
December 8, 2009
Some school districts are eligible for this funding.
The National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program provides funding
to reduce emissions from existing diesel engines through a variety of
strategies, including but not limited to: add-on emission control
retrofit technologies; idle reduction technologies; cleaner fuel use;
engine repowers; engine upgrades; and/or vehicle or equipment
replacement; and the creation of innovative finance programs to fund
diesel emissions reduction projects. Under this grant program, funding
is restricted to the use of EPA and California Air Resources Board
(CARB) verified and certified diesel emission reduction technologies. |
Nickelodeon's Big Green Grants
Grants up to $5,000
Applications due December 31, 2009
This program is a unique funding initiative that teams up kids
and adults to help bring resources to their community. Each Green Grant
will provide up to $5,000 for resources to schools and community-based
organizations to support environmentally-friendly projects that educate
and inspire kids to (1) take care of the environment; (2) be active and
live healthier; and/or (3) engage in community service.
For more information and for an application, click on the link, Big Green Grants.
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NEA Foundation Green Grants - Learning & Leadership
$2,000/Individual & $5,000/Group Grants
Applications reviewed February 1, June 1 & October 15 yearly
Our Learning & Leadership grants support public school
teachers, public education support professionals, and/or faculty and
staff in public institutions of higher education for one of the
following two purposes:
- Grants to individuals fund participation in high-quality
professional development experiences, such as summer institutes or
action research; or
- Grants to groups fund collegial study, including study
groups, action research, lesson study, or mentoring experiences for
faculty or staff new to an assignment.
For more information or to apply, click on the link, NEA Learning & Leadership Grants.
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Captain Planet Foundation Environmental Grants
Grants from $250-$2,500
Applications due
December 31, March 31,
June 30 or September 30
In order to be considered for funding, proposals must:
· Promote understanding of environmental issues
· Focus on hands-on involvement
· Involve children and young adults 6-18 (elementary through high school)
· Promote interaction and cooperation within the group
· Help young people develop planning and problem solving skills
· Include adult supervision
· Commit to follow-up communication with the Foundation (specific requirements are explained once the grant has been awarded) For more information and applications, click on the link, Captain Planet Foundation. This site has many fun things for your classroom as well. Students can become Planeteers, plus the site gives you access to news and environmental facts! (Click on the Planeteers link) Plus, for older students, the site provides a spot to figure Your Carbon Footprint. |
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Hereos
$2,500 Awards
Nominations due April 30, 2010
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors
outstanding young leaders who have made a significant positive
difference to people and our planet. Nominees, who may range in age
from 8 to 18 years old, must have been the prime mover of a service
activity, and demonstrated positive spirit and high moral purpose in
accomplishing their goals. Nominees must be nominated by responsible
adults who have solid knowledge of the young person's heroic
activities, and who are not related to the nominee.
Get more information, find out about the amazing kids who have been previous winners or get nomination forms by clicking on the link, Young Hereos.
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ING Unsung Hereos
(100) $2,000 Awards
Applications due April 30, 2010
Are you an educator with a class project that is
short on funding but long on potential? Do you know a teacher looking
for grant dollars? ING Unsung HeroesŪ could help you turn great ideas
into reality for students.
For more than 10 years, and with $3.0 million in awarded grants, ING
Unsung Heroes has proven to be an A+ program with educators. The
program's "alumni" have inspired success in the classroom and impacted
countless numbers of students. Each year, 100 educators are selected to
receive $2,000 to help fund their innovative class projects. Three of
those are chosen to receive the top awards of an additional $5,000,
$10,000 and $25,000.
For more information or to get applications, click on the link, ING Unsung Hereos.
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DCEO Zero Waste Grants for Illinois Schools
The DCEO Zero Waste
Schools Grant Program encourages schools across Illinois to strive to
become "waste-free," where virtually all waste generated at the school
is reduced, reused, or recycled.
ILLINOIS ZERO WASTE SCHOOLS GRANT PROGRAM
The IL Zero Waste Schools Grant
Program, a funding opportunity for K-12 Illinois schools to implement
or expand recycling, waste reduction, and composting/vermicomposting
programs, is a great opportunity for schools. Announcements for future Request for Applications (RFA) for
IL Zero Waste School Grant Programs will be posted at this site, or you
may request to be notified by email of future solicitations by
contacting Brett Ivers at Brett.Ivers@illinois.gov or 217-524-5859.
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3Rs - Ripples Recommended Reading
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Recycle: A Handbook for Kids
by Gail Gibbons
Ages: Elementary School
This book explains, in a very straight-forward manner, what happens to your recycling after you put it at the curb. Though it was written several years ago, the information is still useful. It is a really good introduction to the recycling processes.
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50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Recycle
by Earthworks Group
Ages: Grades 4 - 8
This simple, practical guide is great for everyone. It urges
children (and everyone) to do their share to save the Earth's resources by following
the Three R's- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and makes common sense
suggestions that kids can do. They learn what garbage
can be recycled, how to reuse things around the house, how to be a wise
shopper, and more. |
When Santa Turned Green
by Victoria Perla
Ages: Elementary School
In the story, Santa discovers that the North Pole is melting. He finds out why this is happening, and then goes on a quest to get the children of the world to help him make changes to try to solve the problem. It is an interesting way to present an environmental issue to children.
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STUFF - The Secret Lives of Everyday Things
by John C. Ryan & Alan Thein Durning
Ages: Late Middle School & Up
This book tracks the life of an everyday American and the "stuff" that ordinarily gets used in a day. It is an eye-opening experience when the origins of the "stuff" are traced, and you see the "secret lives" of those things. For instance, making a computer chip generates 4,500 times its weight in waste or that it takes about 700 gallons of water to make a cheeseburger. It is a good book for helping us see the big picture and the true impact
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The Small-Mart Revolution
by Michael Shuman
Ages: HS and up
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We W ant to Hear from YOU!
It
has been so much fun "twitting" and "tweeting" on twitter, AND we
absolutely love the fans that are following us on Facebook. If there
are things you would like to know about or things that you would like
to see from us, drop us a line and let us know! You can always email us
at ecoed@sbcglobal.net.
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One Final Request........
It has come to our attention that as some schools get new classroom items, they are landfilling their old things. So many schools can use the items which may be trash to another school.
Please consider calling us before disposing of those items so that we can hook you up with a school that is in need of them.
Some typical things which end up in a landfill that could be reused:
furniture
tables
wall / cubicle dividers
chairs
old musical instruments
old (but still useful) art supplies
PE equipment
the list goes on........
Please email, ecoed@sbcglobal.net,
or call 630.545.9710, SCARCE
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 If you have any ideas for making the holidays "GREENER", please let us know. We love hearing from you and sharing your ideas with others. Information on the SUMMER WORKSHOPS will be coming soon! Hope to see you there. The SCARCE Team
Scarce Environmental Education |
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DuPage County |
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Just in time
for Holiday Crafts,
Trash-to-
Treasures
in a Downloadable PDF!Just click on the picture above. |
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