Shore Country Day School Sustainability Survey Data Detailed version June 8, 2009 1.) What lessons or units do you provide students that you consider to be Education for Sustainability (EFS)? 2.) What Shore activities are you involved in throughout your workday that reduce consumption, reuse, and/or recycle materials? (i.e. reusing paper, printing double-sided, avoiding consumable cups, turning lights out, etc.) 3.) What personal practices towards sustainability do you model for your students and or other employees? LOWER SCHOOL: Readiness: Beth White: 1.) -Recycling unit early in the fall, and continue lessons throughout year to encourage/remind students -Lots of literature about recycling -Made collages of magazine pictures showing signs of reduce, reuse, and recycle ideas -BrainPopJr. movies and games online (SmartBoard lessons) This is just a few that I can recall right now - I believe Allison Byrnes is putting together a binder of our activities 2.) -Reusing paper - mistakes from photocopier get used as coloring paper -Print double-sided, even if we won't use that activity until the next week -Power strips for all extra lamps in classroom to conserve power -"Light-keeper" as classroom job -Paper recycling box - lessons to teach children what should be put here -Plastic recycling from our snacks and lunches, since children bring lunch from home and eat in classroom. (I bring all plastics home for recycling in my town.) 3.) -Use personal mug, reusable water bottle for beverages -Turn off lights; I often sit in dark room during breaks when we don't need light -Bring home plastic recycling from all the students in my classroom (there is a lot of stuff generated from their lunchboxes) to take back home for my town recycling program -Teach children the difference between paper and plastic - yes, we have to learn the difference in Readiness! Kindergarten: Keisha & Colleen: 1.) All year we talk about recycling, not wasting paper and water all the time! In April around Earth Day we talk in more detail. 2.) Whenever we can we print worksheets double sided. Sometimes we "close" paper. On these days the kids are not allowed to use any paper for coloring or to play with. We reuse plastic fruit cups for water when water coloring. We always turn the lights out when we leave the classroom. We recycle our brown paper lunch bags. I recycle my plastic my water bottles and other empty plastic bottles. All wasted paper products go into our class recycling bins. The kids know and do this as well. Grade One: Terri Wilder: 1.) In our class, but especially during our SS units on The Poles, and China, when talking about the animals in these regions, we always mention the impact of humans on habitat, and how we as individuals can help. 2.) I go to the recycle bin as often as possible, I double side any assignments for my reading groups, I drink from my own mug and water bottle, we remind the students, when they go to the (classroom's individual) restroom, to remember to "flush, wash hands and turn out the light", and I always turn out the lights when I leave any breakout spaces that I use. 3.) In addition to the above mentioned, I use my own canvas bags to and from school, to carry various school related materials, I like to ride my bike to school, when not responsible for our carpool... Rondi Kilham: 1.) Lessons in April in conjunction with Earth Day about how we can help the environment. 2.) We have a recycling bin and the kids are reminded to put their unwanted papers in there. We have a scrap box for paper that can be used for something else. I save and collect materials from parents for the children to build with during free time. We rinse out and recycle Italian Ice cups. We use yogurt and Italian ice cups for painting. We use egg cartons for paint pallets. We recycle water bottles. We wash and reuse plastic spoons. We try to make double-sided copies. One student is responsible for turning off the lights when we leave the classroom. We collect recyclables for art and construction projects, recycling paper and plastic, I covering bulletin boards with fabric which doesn't fade or show holes. 3.) I have tea in my own mug brought from home, I save and reuse materials such as pencil boxes instead of buying new ones each year. Adria Ibarra: 1.) In preparation for Earth Day, we read several books, complete graphs, and do projects that increase eco-friendly habits. My activities change from year to year. I've done "Recycling Relays," where I'll bring in recyclable and non-recyclable items and the children race to pick up all the recyclable items and place them in the appropriate bins. 2.) -Use the backsides of extra worksheets as free draw paper -Double-sided copying when possible -Reuse Italian Ice plastic cups for art projects -Reuse art trays throughout the year -Turn off lights every time we leave the room -Place small paper scraps in the recycling bin -Place large paper scraps on shelving accessible to kids to use for free draw/free make -Don’t waste water by limiting time at the sink for kids -Recycle cardboard snack boxes -I would say having the children not through out plastic snack cups or reusing paper towel or toilet paper rolls for projects shows the students that there are many uses for the materials we use in the classroom. They are usually pretty good about turning off the classroom lights, but are really bad about turning off the bathroom light. This is the first year it's been a problem. To prepare for next year I might make a sign to remind the children to turn off the light. Grade 2: Deb Parkhurst 2.) Reusing paper, printing double -sided, turning out lights 3.) Reusable hot cup/water bottle Grade 3: Megan Recupero: 1.) I don't think we have any lessons built into the curriculum about this. We do read "Just a Dream" by Chris Van Allsburg, which has a sustainability message and we talk a lot in classroom meeting and at other times about conserving resources. 2.) Kids and teachers reuse paper from recycling bin, we recycle cans, bottles, and paper. Lights are off most mornings unless absolutely necessary. I use my own water bottle/cup. We are also working hard to make sure that the faucet is turned all the way off so that we are not wasting water. Two areas I think would really make an impact quickly are: Carpooling: Helping families arrange carpools and helping employees arrange carpools or other forms of transportation-- biking or having a pick-up/drop off at the commuter rail so that people could take trains Mail-- We get so much junk mail in our faculty mailboxes that people put in the recycling bin. It would be great if we could put a stop to unwanted mailings and cut down on the waste, also it would make Jean's job easier b/c she would have less mail to distribute. 3.) Carpooling. Participating in a Farm Share and talking about it with my students and peers. Bringing my own water bottle. Not taking more food than I will eat in the dining hall. Grade 4: Sean Melia and Susie Kavanaugh 1.) Australia: Great Barrier Reef tourism issues ecosystem damage Coral polyps bleaching from water time increases Climate change Antarctica New food systems curriculum 2.) Reduce paper use (use other side) scrap paper Reuse all binders, folders, pencil boxes that can be salvaged Turn off lights Community service ~ pick up school grounds Encourage community service clean up in parks Washing hands to save water Use Water bottles 3.) Modeling: use water bottles, reduce handouts using smart boards, pick up paper on the ground, recycling take it home, work in the dark, got rid of SUV, moved closer to school, talk about carpooling, riding bikes, talk about buying local, buy local veggies (try) Grade 5 Sue Smith: 1.) We have done units on carpooling/gas usage/idling, etc. and did a picket line last year at carpool with info. Signs... I usually do Earth Day lessons based on water usage, temperature in houses, etc. 2.) I'm a fanatic about wasting (paper, tape, anything!), so we double-side regularly, reuse onesided paper (and have a scrap paper box in class), use the blank side of homework papers for other homework, keep heat turned down and wear fleeces and sweaters, keep SMART Board and document camera turned off, sleep my computer constantly, turn off lights EVERY TIME we leave the room and sometimes while we're working, reuse all cardboard boxes for projects, recycling boxes, etc., have a bottle/can recycling box in our room, run the Lower School paper recycling program (Grade 5 does), and use all booklets for many years (until they fall apart and have to be replaced) just like textbooks... I teach my kids to cover all their hardback books with reused paper bags, and we make book covers together out of them (both to reuse the bags and get more use out of the hardback books). 3.) Recycle, reuse, reduce constantly; turn out lights; keep heat turned down and air conditioning at a minimum. Elizabeth Buchan: 1.) Other than it coming up in social studies, as it relates to history (we've had informal discussions that go to environmental factors and preserving the environment), I'm not sure I teach formal lessons on the subject. 2.) Recycle paper and bottles of all kinds - we also have a "reuse BEFORE you recycle" bin in my room where we put paper that can be used again for scrap paper or projects before it's put into the recycle bin. The 5th grade is in charge of dumping the recycled paper from the LS into the recycling dumpster. 3.) I always put paper in the appropriate bins myself and try to make sure students don't throw paper, plastic, or aluminum cans into the trash. LS Specialists MATH: Mardi Lowery: 2.) I ask students to recycle paper, throw away trash, and use scrap paper for math work I use my own tea mug and water bottle, recycle paper and cardboard, print double-sided when I can, use the lights only when dark, keep my laptop battery in good shape so it doesn't need to be replaced as often, 3.) Home - compost food scraps, garden debris, grass clippings, and leaves; recycle paper, cardboard, certain plastics, aluminum, everything the town allows basically; turn off lights in rooms not in use; use cold water for laundry; limit laundry to no more than 3 loads per week (most weeks it's two); hang most clothes to dry in the colder weather, all clothes outside in warmer weather; have a front loading washing machine; use cloth napkins; use a pan for water when washing dishes; turn off water when brushing teeth; use a washable dust cloth; have 4 rain barrels; mulch with my compost; use soaker hoses attached to the rain barrels; have furnace on timers; cut up old t-shirts for rags; use old blue jeans to make patches for ones with holes; do not use any throw-away plates, bowls, cutlery, etc. MUSIC: Joey Tedesco: 1.) There are no EFS lessons or units taught in Lower School music. 2.) All plastic and paper are recycled. Lights are always turned off when not in use. Each day I use a travel mug to drink my many cups of tea. My students know that I only make a certain number of copies of a song for each grade level. If they aren't careful and papers become torn or unreadable, there will be no more copies! If a song is too long for a single piece of paper, it is then copied double-sided, never with two separate papers stapled together. ART: Jill Montoni: 2.) I now have buckets in my sink where we rinse brushes, etc. instead of using running water. In the past I felt that water waste was the biggest issue to work on in the art room. Close to all of the paper is recycled in the LS art classroom 3.) I bring home plastic to rinse and recycle on my home trash day I am going through all of my shelves and using up materials or offering them to others/ the Shore Sale rather than throwing them out. I make careful purchases and look for coupons and goods on sale. I do all of the above at home also and consider myself to be a "tight ship" environmentalist in all home and studio areas. I have gardened organically for years. I am currently working with someone else at home running a yoga studio and conducting a summer business using recycled materials for paper products. I will be seeking certification as a fully certified "green yoga studio" - the first one on the North Shore I am seeking a simple inexpensive web site and looking at the best hosts offered that fully offset the energy expended with wind-power. I use low VOC paint indoors I'm insulating the house with formaldehyde free insulation. Looking for good LED lights. PE: Nancy McNall: 1.) No lessons that I can think of in PE or PA except that I encourage students to treat equipment with respect so things don't break and need replacing. 2/3.) I carry a water bottle as well as a thermos for coffee. I rarely, if ever, use a paper cup these days. I use the paper in my recycle box for scrap notes. We don't turn on the lights in the gym(s) until we really need them. Lynn Pisanelli: Happily, we aren't using or doing anything that can hurt the environment. 2/3.) If maintenance asks for heat on or off in gyms I encourage them to keep it off or low. We encourage use and reuse of their inner energy! Whenever walking on campus, I try to recycle littered bottles and throw trash left on the fields into trashcans. SAIL: Debbie Coates 1.) Readiness studies wood as a natural resource and we talk about products made from wood and talk about recycling paper. Grade 2 grows plants and we talk about grains that feed the world population. SAIL students make products from recycled materials. Conservative use of paper and materials is stressed with most every project. 2.) Recycling paper, reusing paper by making scraps of leftover clean paper, recycling student art supplies wherever possible, reusing paint, using old cloths to wipe tables, reusing paper towels if only slightly soiled, copying much less, reuse of meat trays and paper trays for handing out supplies. 3.) Recycling plastic bottles, turning out lights, only putting on my tray what I plan to eat, using one napkin (I used to bring a cloth napkin to school and take it home to wash.), parking far from school door to walk further, drive a fuel efficient car. SCIENCE: Colleen (Guertin) Parenteau: 3rd grade: 1.) Grade 3: Unit on Electricity involves lessons on Renewable and Non-renewable resources, systems thinking, and energy conservation. In the Fall 2009 this unit will be followed by a structures unit that involves students learning about green building. Students are taught about food chains and food webs and identify and observe ecosystems outdoors. Population balance. Students are encouraged to care for the earth through learning about the waste stream of common items…where does trash go after it is thrown away? What happens when you recycle materials, and how can we reduce consumption? Grade 4: Wetlands Unit: ecosystems, invasive species, water quality, conservation Gardening /Food Systems Unit: Growing food, plant studies Composting Local vs. Regional vs. food from other areas Organics vs. conventional Biological controls (pest management /crop rotation) 2.) I recycle all food containers that can be recycled and I bring them home if Shore does not recycle them. I have a collection in my classroom for kids to add to. 3.) I use a re-useable cup and plastic cup in cafeteria for soup/ice cream. I compost food scraps at home. I have a farm share and try to buy other local foods. I sometimes buy used clothes. I buy biodegradable cleaning products. Often my lights are out and my appliances are on power-strips. I am going to try to carpool more this year. UPPER SCHOOL: SCIENCE: Oliver Hay: 1.) 6th grade Environmental Science unit in which we study "Populations and Communities" and "Ecosystems and Biomes" ... I hope to create more time next year to cover additional topics like "Living Resources"; "Land, Water, and Air Resources"; and "Energy Resources" 2.) - Avoid consumable cups - Turn lights out - Try to keep documents I print out from spilling over to an extra page that only has a few lines. - Try to teach advisees to not waste food during our 3.) Drive an efficient car SOCIAL STUDIES: Tung Trinh: 1.) 9th grade globe - unit on consumerism and sustainability-- about 3 weeks worth. It's on the tail end of our wealth/poverty unit. 2.) I started the Used Book Sale for Upper School students last year, and am continuing it this year. All of the proceeds go toward helping families on financial aid pay for books and we dramatically reduced the number of new books order for just the first year of the sale. We only use scrap/recycled paper in class, many of my materials aren't printed but instead shown on the smartboard, the sun lights up my room well enough that I usually don't turn on the lights at all during the fall and spring. 3.) Mug and glass jar for beverages! Noah Balazs: 1.) Hmm. I'm racking my brain to think of concepts within social studies and history that could be considered EFS. We teach about Saharan desertification and its causes and we do a project where the 6's come up with solutions to the African desertification problem. 2.) Lights out as often as possible, putting more materials online rather than printing out, using recycled paper for 8th hour slips and late slips, using plastic drinking cups for soup and fro-yo, encouraging students to recycle their bottles or to use the same bottle over again for water, using technology like Keynote for projects rather than making paper-intensive posters. The plastic cup thing freaks people out but it is good modeling. MATH: Bruce Write: 1.) 7s create a Cereal Box project where they discover ways in which to reduce and recycle paperboard, and our effects on the environment when we discard waste materials. 2.) Reuse poster board (both sides) for two separate projects, clay can be used and reused, use of mini dry erase boards cuts down on paper consumption. 8s Systems "book" project is down on a computer program rather than on tag board. I reuse sheets that outline general directions; I ask students to use them without writing on them so I can reuse next year. 3.) I do not use paper or plastic cups; I use one water bottle over and over. I take used batteries home and recycle properly in my town. SPANISH: Pamela Braverman Torres 1.) During advisory we talk about clothes sharing so that we don't have to go out and buy new things. 2.) Lights out Turning off all electronics Avoiding plastic and Styrofoam cups Printing double-sided Only printing when needed Reusing paper Sharing supplies Reusing everything that I can. Recycling. Gretchen Bowder 1.) Nothing, unfortunately, other than what comes up informally or in advisory. 2.) - I turn out the lights when I leave my classroom. - I recycle paper and plastics at school, pick paper out of the recycling bins for re-use as scrap paper or for worksheets. I pick plastic bottles out of the trash to recycle. - I pick binders and all other re-usable items out of trashcans at the end of the year for redistribution to children in the fall. - The language department will be reducing the number of books we require next year, since some are not getting enough use to be worth the paper and cost. 3.) - I fill a water bottle brought from home for daily drinking. I do not use those tiny disposable portions of water that get served at meetings. - I buy the majority of my family's clothing (including my own) at rummage; I donate used items to places that can use them (Goodwill, places that use old computers, etc.) I swap clothing with friends. My children and I actually share some clothing. - I carpool when possible. - I walk to the stores in my town when possible, or ride my bike. - We turn off lights and the computer at home when not in use. - I trash pick furniture and other items for use in my home. - I buy items on Craigslist instead of buying them new. - We use rain barrels at home to collect water from downspouts for watering the garden. - We recycle everything possible, and separate yard waste for the city to mulch. - I wait a long time before deciding whether or not to buy consumer electronics. - We favor family activities that allow us to interact, such as playing catch, board games, or playing music together, rather than watching TV or going shopping. - I do not purchase "individually packaged" portions for my children. - Reuse wrapping paper and bows until they wear out - Fix it when it breaks; mend it when it rips, if the knees blow out, they become shorts. - Keep and reuse plastic and paper bags, also boxes for re-packaging presents. - Use cloth bags when we go grocery shopping, and take back returnable bottles. - Gus offers: "I turn off the water when I brush my teeth." He is our most vigilant light-turneroffer too. - Hand down clothes to friends and family. Georgia wears Gus's hand-me-downs, then most clothes go to my nieces. - Borrow from the Shore Re-Play closet for sports equipment I will soon be taking advantage of Obama's energy incentives/rebates to get blown-in insulation and other weatherization done to my 1908 house. I have to say that most of this doesn't come from any education on being green that I received it's how my depression-era parents brought me up. Gwen Sneeden: 1.) NONE, but maybe I am just not thinking creatively enough?? 2.) But I talk a lot with students about being mindful of stuff and I make it very clear to them that I am mindful of saving on paper (that's why we use the small and large whiteboards so often).... we talk a lot in advisee groups about the benefits of shopping at second hand stores and learning to recycle clothes by, for example, turning collars on shirts when they start to fray. Basically I am talking to my advisees a lot about things my grandmother taught me - it all has to do with stretching a buck, but it is also sustainable living (putting food by from a local farm or the garden, composting, going for hand-me downs and learning to make alterations so they fit … things my grandmother did all her life because it's just how it was! 3.) I reuse, double print, turn lights off as much as possible, use a glass jar for water, drive an energy efficient car for a long commute. LATIN/ENGLISH: Doug Lucey: 1.) Topics arise during our poetry portfolio in December for 8th grade English. Usually it springs from individual kids' poems. In Latin we talk about the exploitation of resources by governments, especially during times of war. For example, outfitting ancient navies contributed to the deforestation of the Mediterranean - did you know the entire European coastline and beyond was mostly thick forest? Unfortunately, this is more anecdotal and incidental - no unit is devoted to the topic, but one could be, perhaps. 2.) I plumb the recycle bin and printer overflow for one-sided paper; true scrap is sliced up for flash cards. I now try to avoid arts & crafts projects for their own sake, since they are immediately cast into the recycle bin. I remind students on computers of checking their work before hitting "print." 3.) I drink solely from a glass jar or Shore blue coffee mug. I ride my bike to school most of the fall & spring. I turn off the lights in classrooms and bathrooms when not in use. I limit the amount of time my computer is on and charging. Sander van Otterloo: 2.) When teaching, if I can use the smartboard or whiteboard rather than hand out a worksheet I do. I often forget to turn the lights out in my room. For this reason I am thankful that my lights are triggered by motion. I try to alter the shades in my room so that I am adding light in the dark months and keeping light/heat out in the warmer months. I also often teach with the lights out when I have adequate natural light. I model using reusable water bottles and coffee cups, lights out, altering the shades, recycling, double sided printing. I print double-sided and encourage my students to do the same. 3.) I bring my own coffee in a travel mug...I try not to use the consumable cups, but occasionally I do. ART: Ruth Bauer: 1.) I talk about not wasting materials, how all of the clay is recycled, seek suggestions for how to make the art room greener, trying to encourage art or curriculum projects in other disciplines that are smaller (miniature uses less materials) or permanent (not disposable posters that I find in the trash) or digital 2.) I use recycled materials for sculptures I have a recycling center in art room I have a collage box with paper scraps STAFF: Wendy Rubin: 2.) Reusing paper, recycling plastic/paper/cans, ceramic tea cup, reusable water bottle (Shore mug), thermos, only use lights when absolutely necessary, double-sided printing, use plastic cups at lunch (instead of the Styrofoam ones) for soup/water, take only 1 napkin in cafeteria. 3.) I buy (and grow) local, organic produce, recycling since 1970's, try to keep carbon footprint to a minimum, buy recycled paper products, energy efficient home heating system, walk, ride bike etc whenever possible, carpooling when possible, use reusable shopping bags for groceries and other kinds of shopping, turn off lights, keep temperature low in winter to reduce fuel consumption, fuel-efficient car, etc Linda Grodberg: 2.) I recycle all paper products. I also turn lights off in my office in the afternoon, although Shore installed motion lights in my office last year. I use a refillable water bottle most of the time. If not using a refillable, I re-use my plastic water bottle for at least one week. I use my fan in the summer as much as possible instead of using my office window air conditioner -- I do the same with my car. 3.) At home, I use energy saving light bulbs wherever possible. I use programmable thermostats to save energy when no one is at home. My appliances are energy star rated. Lee Carey: 2.) We are much improved at using lights only when they are needed in the Admissions areas and lobby. We recycle paper via the bin and as notepaper. Our personal paper cup use has been replaced 75% by travel mugs, and I am waiting for some Shore mugs to use for coffee with admissions visitors. Given the southwest orientation of our office, we try to use the blinds to decrease heat loss and increase solar gain (or vice versa, depending on the season) depending upon the hour of the day. 3.) Eating leftovers for summer lunches and transporting them in reusable containers during vacation months. Carpooling to conferences with Shore employees and conference-goers from other schools. Sue Cronin: 2.) I recycle all paper in my office, frequently turning off bathroom light outside office and office lights when leaving the room. 3.) I carpool for certain activities, recycle paper, plastic and cans. Carol O’Neil 2.) Recycle, reuse paper, print double -sided, use water bottle vs. cups Jean Mazzetta: 2.) Recycle paper and plastic, don't print when it is not necessary, email documents, when necessary to print - print two sided. I will be reducing the size of all of my forms by half. TECHNOLOGY: Jill Bonina: 2.) I take notes on paper from the recycle bin and I print double sided whenever possible now that I print to a copier that has that feature. I also make screen shots or print to pdf on my mac so I can forward just that info via email rather than making paper copies. I usually only have to use paper with those who prefer that mode rather than electronic methods of communication. I also put pdf versions of tech manuals on my Kindle rather than buy a book or print a paper copy. 3.) And since I started getting the Boston Globe on my Kindle I no longer recycle a huge stack of newsprint every week. AND it is much cheaper. I would love to see if we can start using textbooks on Kindles in the future for our upper school students. Susan Morgan: 2.) Printer paper consumption: The Tech Dept provides feedback to students via graphs of the amount of pages printed so that they can be aware and make good decisions about the necessity of printing. Admissions initiatives: Online Inquiries Online Applications Enhanced Email for invitations and communications to families Registration initiatives: Online Family Registration process has evolved from a paper-intensive process to online includes: Annual Family BIO Update Medical Forms online Athletic Forms online CORI Forms online New Web Site to become enriched Communication Tool Online Calendar Online Faculty/Staff Directory Online newsletters - user specific news Events Management: Invitation and Registration online Other Tools: Survey Monkey Faculty, Staff and Administration all use Survey Monkey to: gather feedback and/or data in electronic format eliminating paper PickATime Parent Conference online scheduling tool cuts down on Staff set-up time Parents no longer need to drive to Shore for in-person sign-ups Default printer setting: double-sided Jill Atkinson: 2.) I print double sided, two-up, grayscale whenever possible, encourage students to THINK before printing or not to print at all, recycle as much as possible (paper & plastic), use a mug for hot drinks, use a water bottle for water, use florescent in my lamps at school, promote collaborative technologies to reduce need for paper based communication. 3.) I drive a scooter, garden, promote recycled clothing making. SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE INTEREST: Jill Montoni Sue Smith Terri Wilder (maybe) Nancy McNall (maybe) Oliver Hay Beth White Pamela Torres Linda Grodberg Rondi Kilham Doug Lucey Gretchen Bowder Jill Atkinson Scott Flannagan Sander van Otterloo Susie Kavanaugh Sean Melia Colleen Guertin Parenteau Mike Kuchar Shelia Burke Jenny Knowles