Green Schools

Foodware - Trays Presentation

2018-05-05T16:29:00.002-07:00

Please forward to Green Schools reps and PTA Council...

1) Ad Council/NRDC strawberry video: A short PSA on food waste for students of all ages (and their parents) to learn about the impact of food waste and to practice sustainability in our community. Please share and include in your newsletters, along with this blurb, which can be customized for your school:

"An estimated 40% of all food produced in the U.S. is wasted, which has major environmental and economic implications. The average American family of four spends over $1,500 per year on food that they don’t eat and discards 1000 lbs of food at home. Wasting food wastes water, labor, fuel and money! Through simple lifestyle changes, like making shopping lists, freezing food and using leftovers, and strategies in the school cafeteria, like composting and collection of leftover food, we can fight food waste. Watch this video clip - the Extreme Life and Times of Strawberry - and other PSAs with your child today to start a conversation about food waste!"

2) USDA's Use of Share Tables in Child Nutrition Programs: Unopened, commercially pre-packaged items such as cereal packs, yogurt, crackers, and cheese sticks, whole pieces of fruit and unopened milk or dairy products can be collected at your school. This practice is encouraged by the USDA’s Food & Nutrition Service guidelines for Child Nutrition Programs. Local and State health and food safety codes need to be followed. There are several options for collected foods: 1) students can take any item at no additional cost; 2) items can be served during another meal service, like after school programs 3) items can be offered to staff; or 4) items can be donated to a non-profit 501c3, like Food Rescue US.

To learn more:

World Wildlife Fund's Four Ways to Fight School Food Waste:

https://www.worldwildlife.org/teaching-resources/toolkits/food-waste-warrior-toolkit

USDA's Use of Share Tables in Child Nutrition Programs:

https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/cn/SP41_CACFP13_SFSP15_2016os.pdf

3) Foam-Free School Lunch flyer (attached)

4) GPS Foodware Cost Analysis (attached)

Sent from my iPhone

Trayless Tuesdays Makes Significant Impact!

2018-04-13T06:12:00.003-07:00

Partnering with PTAC Green Schools, the Food Service Department will be implementing Trayless Tuesdays beginning April 24, 2018. What began as a successful student initiative in Parkway School a few years back, the program will now be rolled out district-wide. Serving an average of 2700 meals a day, the district has a potential to reduce its use of polystyrene trays by 97,000 units. Developing menus that are paper boat friendly for Tuesdays will allow students to dine knowing they are taking positive steps to help the environment.

John Hopkins

Food Service Director

Green Schools Resources _ shared by Sue Quincy at CT DEEP

2018-02-16T07:58:00.004-08:00

If your school is working on school gardens, health and wellness programs in the cafeteria, or nutrition perhaps these resources will help you along the way.

Remember if you are looking for support to develop curriculum and school use of grounds, gardens, health and nutrition for the classrooms we can provide teacher ready materials. Contact me if you have any questions.

Saturday, March 4, 2018, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Teaching with A Garden

Project Food, Land and People Workshop

Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby

Free to Green LEAF schools

Day focused on understand natural resources and science of food. Using NGSS we will implement school gardens and schoolyards

For unit development in the classroom.

Email interest to participate susan.quincy@ct.gov

75.00 stipend for participating educators.

You may want to know the following:

Get Out and Grow School Garden Grant & Sweepstakes

The Get Out and Grow School Garden Sweepstakes is open to School Administrators and Foodservice Directors of K-12 schools. Schools can win up to $15,000 cash towards a school garden and a visit from a Team USA Athlete. Who Should Apply: State accredited K-12 school located in the 50 United States and D.C. Deadline is March 11, 2018. Learn more and apply here.

Farm to School 101 & Funding Opportunities webinar

February 28 // 5pm ET

USDA’s Office of Community Food Systems and the National Young Farmers Coalition invite you to attend “Farm to School 101 & Funding Opportunities.” This webinar will cover what USDA means by “farm to school”, the different ways to incorporate farm to school programs into your business plan, and how working with schools can impact and bring value to your operation. Funding, including grant opportunities, will be covered.Register here

The Business of Farm to School

March 15 // 5pm ET

This webinar will cover the procurement (purchasing) rules that schools follow, describe questions and talking points to discuss when selling to and building relationships with schools, identify which products schools are looking for, and highlight the different Child Nutrition Programs (CNP’s) that provide these opportunities- hint- it’s not just school lunch! This webinar is coordinated by USDA Office of Community Food Systems and the National Young Farmers Coalition, and is geared towards farmers and producers selling to schools as a new market. Register here.

Research & Resources

1. New Study: Students Need Help Navigating Food Environments

A new study in the Journal of School Health, by Dr. Marissa Burgermaster and the Tisch Food Center team, provides further evidence that nutrition education needs to happen hand-in-hand with efforts to improve the food environments students encounter on a daily basis. Read more here.

2. New Study: Making Nutrition Education Work in Schools

A study just out in the Journal of School Health, by Dr. Kathleen Porter and Tisch Food Center team members, sheds light on why and how New York City schools make external nutrition education programs part of their school’s every day culture. Findings from Dr. Porter and team give insight into the why-to and how-to of successfully adopting and sustaining nutrition education programs. Findings are based on analysis of interviews with school community members from 21 NYC schools that had one or more nutrition education programs. Read more here.

3. Food Systems Leadership Network - Community Food Systems Mentorship Program

The Wallace Center at Winrock International’s new Food Systems Leadership Network initiative includes a Community Food Systems Mentorship Program. This program seeks to provide emerging leaders with the opportunity to closely engage with more seasoned leaders as thought partners and coaches. The goal of this program is to create a space for experienced leaders to lend an ear to emerging leaders, and share their wisdom, knowledge, and expertise from years of practice in the good food movement. This Program will be offered twice annually, and will include 8 hours of one on one mentorship over a 3 month period for each mentee. The Spring application closes Feb. 15. Learn more here.

Susan Quincy

Environmental Education Specialist

Coordinator Project Food, Land & People and Project WET

State Parks Public Outreach

Natural Resource and Recreation

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby CT 06418P: 203-734-2513 susan.quincy@ct.gov

www.ct.gov/deep

Conserving, improving and protecting our natural resources and environment;

Ensuring a clean, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply.

_______________________________________________
Ct-green-leaf-list mailing list
Ct-green-leaf-list@ctgreenschools.org
http://ctgreenschools.org/mailman/listinfo/ct-green-leaf-list_ctgreenschools.orgResources

2018-01-09T15:44:00.003-08:00

BYOGreenwich https://byogreenwich.org/

BYOGreenwich Mission: BYOGreenwich's mission is to encourage the use of reusable checkout bags in our town for the benefit and welfare of our entire community.
If this fact helps: This initiative was voted for by Peter Tesei, John Toner and Drew Marzullo in July 2017. Also it was presented, informally, to Sandy Litvack in December 2017.
BYOGreenwich strives to be apolitical. is encouraged by the blind support this initiative is receiving from our community residents, local businesses and non-profits to keep Greenwich clean and be leaders in environmental stewardship for our Town, our State and our Country.
We and our children all need clean water, clean air and clean land! https://byogreenwich.org/
Schedule of Events: I will speak with Michael Casey my Green Schools Co-Chair to see if we can Co-Sponsor the 1/25th event.

Thursday, February 1st: "Educate Yourself" - Google “Plastic Bag Pollution” and BYOGreenwichNewsroom. (Meg MK can be there on behalf of Green Schools & GEC)

Thursday, February 8th: Reusable Bag Drive at Town Hall, Drop Off a Bag/ Pick Up a Bag, 10-2pm

(—WE WOULD WELCOME ONE ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY SPONSOR—) - (Meg MK can be there on behalf of Green Schools & GEC)

Wednesday, February 14th: Celebrate LOVE by giving a reusable bag to your loved ones

(—ANY AND ALL IDEAS ARE WELCOMED—) (Meg MK will blog that on Green Schools; will share w/ GEC)

Saturday, February 24th: Greenwich Beach Clean Up with Greenwich Shellfish Commission, Surfrider Foundation and possibly Green & Clean & GRAB , location TBD (Green Schools & GEC)

Monday, March 12th: Potential RCBI Ordinance RTM Vote date, Central Middle School, 8pm

(—WE WOULD WELCOME ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY SPONSORS TO COME TO THIS MEETING AND READ A STATEMENT OF SUPPORT) (Meg MK can be there on behalf of Green Schools & GEC)

2017-12-18T12:34:00.001-08:00

Hi Ptacgreenschools

http://bit.ly/2k9ZYGK

Deanna

2017-12-15T12:51:00.001-08:00

The Town of Greenwich wants to help you reduce the amount of energy used in your home. We are offering Greenwich residents up to five LED light bulbs free of charge and an opportunity to learn about and sign up for Home Energy Solutions so you can save and be more comfortable all year round. Bring up to five incandescent light bulbs, in any working order, plus proof of Greenwich residence, and receive an equal number of long-lasting, energy-saving LED light bulbs at no cost.*

Saturday, December 16th, 9am-12pm at Greenwich Town Hall

Residents will also have the opportunity to sign up for the Home Energy Solutions (HES) Program and meet the vendors offering this service in our town.

*While supplies last. LED bulbs at swap are equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent bulb only. Additional energy-saving lighting products will be available for purchase at a discounted rate, including holiday lights.

Sarah Nahabedian, Conservation Resource Manager 1

Town of Greenwich

101 Field Point Road

Greenwich, CT 06830

203-622-6461 office

Sarah.Nahabedian@greenwichct.org

__._,_.___

Posted by: "Savageau, Denise" <Denise.Savageau@greenwichct.org>

DECEMBER Tips of the Month - Happy Holidays!

2017-12-08T08:29:00.001-08:00

GREEN SCHOOLS shares with you an article:
https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/eco-friendly-holiday-tips

1. Make Your Own Wrapping Paper or Go Without

Most mass-produced wrapping paper you find in stores is not recyclable because of the shiny coatings, foils and colors, and therefore ends up in landfills. And sadly, most wrapping paper and ribbon is produced in Asian sweatshops!

What a shame so much water, oil and trees are wasted every year solely to produce something that exists only to be torn off and thrown away!

Instead, here’s a great chance to get creative! Wrap presents with old maps, the comics section of a newspaper, or children’s artwork. Or use a scarf, attractive dish towel, bandana, or some other useful cloth item that is a gift in and of itself.

You could even go without wrapping your gifts altogether. A Small Footprint Family Facebook fan recently told me that at her home, she hides all the unwrapped presents around the house, and holds a scavenger hunt for the kids to find them.

What a fun, clever, low-waste idea!

2. Buy Energy-Saving LED Holiday Lights

Thanks to technology, you can now decorate your house with LED lights that use 90 percent less energy than conventional holiday lights, and can save your family up to $50 on your energy bills during the holiday season! As an added bonus, LEDs release little heat, and they last about 200,000 hours. In the unlikely event that one does burn out, the rest of the lights keep on glowing. Whew!

According to one U.S. Department of Energy study, if everyone replaced their conventional holiday light strings with LEDs, at least two billion kilowatt-hours of electricity could be saved in a month. The savings would be enough to power 200,000 homes for a year!

LED lights are available online and at many major retailers.

Almost all holiday lights contain a tiny amount of lead between the wires and the plastic that covers the wires, so keep them away from children and wash your hands after installing them.

They are a bit pricier, but for the ultimate green holiday lighting, you can find lead-free, LED holiday lights here.

3. Add Organic & Local Foods to Your Holiday Feast

Support local family farmers who grow sustainable meat and produce. Not only does local, organic food taste better, but you’ll also be doing your part for your community and the planet too.

Find an organic turkey or humane ham and local vegetables for holiday dinner.

4. Get a Pesticide-Free Tree

Demand is on the rise for Christmas trees that are not covered in chemicals. Some growers use 40 different pesticides, as well as chemical colorants. The good news is that there are now a number of tree-farms that sell pesticide-free trees, so ask your local Christmas tree seller, or search for an organic tree farm near you.

An even more eco-friendly option is to get a plantable tree that you can put in the ground in your yard or a nearby park when you are done.

5. Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Each year, 10 million Christmas trees end up in the landfill. While your tree won’t fit in the recycling bin with your newspapers and bottles, you can recycle your tree: many cities offer programs to turn your tree to mulch or wood chips. Some cities even use your old trees to do important environmental projects like streambank stabilization.

Visit the National Christmas Tree Association or do a web search to find a “Christmas tree recycling program” near you.

6. Recycle Your Old Cellphone or Tablet

Getting a new cell phone or tablet for Christmas? Not sure what to do with the old one? Now, you can drop off that old phone at any Staples store, as part of the Sierra Club cell phone recycling program or possibly sell it to one of the many buyback programs online.

Each year, 130 million cell phones are thrown out, weighing approximately 65,000 tons. Recycling your old phone prevents hazardous elements like mercury, cadmium and lead from ending up in our landfills.

7. Offset Your Holiday Travel

If you or your loved ones are traveling more than 100 miles this holiday season, try to reduce air travel whenever possible, and consider offsetting the fossil fuel pollution generated by your trip, no matter how you travel. These companies can help you get trees planted to reduce your impact.

Terrapass – Provides carbon offsets for flying, driving, etc.
CarbonFund – Provides a variety of carbon offset projects to choose from.
Carbonify.com – Tree planting for offsetting carbon emissions

8. Donate Your Time or Money to an Environmental Cause

Get into the holiday spirit by volunteering! There are countless ways to help improve your community—and the planet—from cleaning up a local river to helping inner city kids experience the outdoors for the first time. Organizations and charities all over the country need your time and/or your money to make a difference, so you can have a great impact for a small amount of effort.

9. Make Handcrafts & DIY Gifts

There are so many ways to reduce your consumption impact when giving holiday gifts. DIY gifts like homemade ornaments, crafty picture frames with photos of loved ones in them, homemade vanilla extract, or handmade beauty products can be as much fun to make and give as to receive.

There are tons of ideas on Pinterest, and you are really only limited by your imagination.

10. Give Experiential Gifts

My favorite gift to give is the gift of an experience. By giving gifts that can be experienced, you can minimize wrapping and shopping, and still win points with the receiver. Anything that allows your loved one to spend quality time experiencing something fun, new or interesting will make a gift sure to be remembered for years to come.

Some ideas include: tickets to a ball game, play or concert, a trip somewhere interesting, a zoo or museum membership, lessons of some type, a drive in the country, or even a homemade dinner.

11. Purchase Eco-Friendly & Locally Made Gifts

SaveSmall Footprint Family61Small Footprint FamilyBest of Small Footprint Family

Finally, if you choose to purchase retail gifts, try to select products that come in minimal packaging, are made from sustainable materials, and can be easily recycled. You could also choose gifts that help people live more sustainably, like a compost bin, a reusable water bottle, or a Wonderbagelectricity-free slow cooker.

12. Stuff Stockings With Yummy, Natural Treats

Stocking stuffers tend to be small, plastic trinkets that end up broken, lost or in the garbage by the end of January. Instead, fill your stockings with yummy, healthy treats like dried fruit, nuts, clementines and even homemade holiday cookies.

How are you being green this holiday season?

We Wish You a Peaceful Holiday and an Abundant New Year!

—The Small Footprint Family

This article was excerpted from my book Sustainability Starts at Home – How to Save Money While Saving the Planet. For more money-saving, planet-friendly tips, pick up a copy today!

Yum

- Dawn Gifford
  
  Thanks for your comment, Kirsten! For those who live in the right climate for it, getting a living tree to plant after the holidays is a fabulous idea!!
  
  Happy Holidays,
  
  Dawn @ Small Footprint Family

2017-10-31T10:52:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER TIPS:

It doesn't take much to live in an environmentally friendly manner.

These 10 simple things, done every day, will go a long way toward making your corner of Earth more sustainable.

1 Turn out the lights you don’t need!
2 Consider the amount of packaging when selecting groceries! BYOGreenwich.org
3 Print on both sides of a piece of paper!
4 Consider “no mow” native ground covers to replace your lawn!
5 Use mass transportation, carpool, bike, or walk!
6 Use cloth bags for shopping! BYOGreenwich.org
7 Avoid bottled water!
8 Buy ENERGY STAR® rated appliances!
9 Turn down the heat and air conditioning!
10 Eat organic food!

Welcoming Spring

2017-04-14T11:10:00.001-07:00

Happy Earth Day - April 22nd, 2017

Local Events - Connecticut Celebrates Earth Day - Link

Paper Shredding at Island Beach Parking Lot
April 22 from 9:30-12:30 / $2 per box / max 6 boxes
Please see website for details: Greenwich Green and Clean

Link: Earth Day Activities to Inspire Students
Earth Day is about raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet and taking action. Use these activities to inspire your students to take action this Earth Day, and every day.

National Environmental Education Week is April 23-29 and National Arbor Day, which celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care, is on April 29 this year.

CHILDREN’S ENVIRONMENTAL MARCH

Greenwich Town Hall, Saturday, April 29, 11:00 a.m.

For more information see FB events page: @KidsEcoMarch www.KidsEcoMarch.org

Impacts of Fracking Waste: Birds, Humans, & the Greater CT Environment
Wednesday, May 03, 2017 / 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Jen Siskind, Local Coordinator for Food & Water Watch, presents the current efforts to prevent processing of fracking waste in CT. She will outline the potential effects of toxic, radioactive waste spillage as well as provide resources for contributing to local and state-wide conservation efforts. Presented in partnership with League of Conservation Voters, League of Women Voters and Greenwich Conservation Advocates. Refreshments and Q&A to follow. FREE
RSVP appreciated: eschaffer@audubon.org or 203-930-1349

Greenwich Audubon Events and Programs

Link to Website: Cafeteria Culture - Achieving Zero-Waste School Cafeterias

2017-03-29T12:35:00.001-07:00

The Perrot Memorial Library - Old Greenwich

Upcoming Event: Overview, with author Benjamin Grant

Overview, with author Benjamin Grant

Wednesday, March 29th, 2017, at 7:30 PM

Benjamin Grant started his Daily Overview account on Instagram in December 2013 with the lofty goal to change the way we see our planet. Three years later, the project was turned into a best-selling book, and today his satellite images of Earth are shared with more than half a million people. Join us to get the behind-the-scenes story of how Daily Overview grew from a viral Instagram account into a best-selling book and a multi-faceted business.

2017-01-26T19:08:00.002-08:00

In case you didn't see it, here is the link to the recent article in Greenwich Sentinel Article on Single Stream Recycling in town

2016-12-27T12:13:00.001-08:00

Audubon Summer Nature Day Camp 2017

Online Registration begins on December 20, 2016.

Select here to learn more and to register through our secure online registration.

Give your child the gift of nature and create memories that will last a lifetime. Our unique, weekly-themed camps enable children to build a deeper connection to the natural world through fun, experiential activities while exploring our 285-acre sanctuary. This site includes a beautiful teaching pond, the Byram River, Mead Lake, forests, meadows, and our new Nature Play Trail!

For more details, please contact Gigi Lombardi at 203-930-1351 or email.

Audubon Greenwich Summer Nature Day Camp 2017

Camp Dates: June 26 - August 18

Camp Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (except Twilight Investigations, Session 8: August 14-18 which will run from 3:30 - 9:30 p.m.)

Extended Care: Late Pick-up Available from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. ($50 per week)

Cost per Week

Grades K-5: $400 members; $435 non-members
Grades 6-9: $450 members; $485 non-members

Weekly Themes K-5

Session 1: Creepy Crawlies ǀ June 26 - 30
Session 2: Aquatic Adventures 1 ǀ July 3, July 5 - 7
Session 3: Tracks and Traces ǀ July 10 - 14
Session 4: Feathered Friends ǀ July 17 - 21
Session 5: Scales and Slime ǀ July 24 - 28
Session 6: Aquatic Adventures 2 ǀ July 31 - August 4
Session 7: Backwoods Explorers ǀ August 7 - 11
Session 8: Twilight Investigations ǀ August 14 - 18 (Hours: Mon-Wed: 3:30 - 9:30 p.m. / Thursday: 3 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Friday. Grades 2 - 9 only).

Grades 6 - 9 Audubon Ecology Adventures: This exciting Audubon camp for teens combines exploration of the great outdoors with learning about the amazing biodiversity that is found in our local natural areas. Daily field trips to forests, rivers, and coastal areas will be led by experienced naturalists and will give campers an opportunity to learn about ecology and conservation while exploring and having fun.

More information regarding NEW specialty camps for grades 6 - 9 - coming soon!

Select here to view the 2017 Summer Camp Brochure

Questions? Contact Gigi Lombardi at 203-930-1351 or glombardi@audubon.org.

Volunteer Counselors-in-Training (CIT) Opportunities for Teens

(14 years old & up)

Each week, there are four to five camp groups, divided by age. Each camp group has one Head Summer Naturalist and one Assistant Summer Naturalist and Audubon trains and hosts 1 to 3 CIT working with each small group throughout the summer. For more details and to see if your child can join the CIT program, please contact James Flynn at 203-930-1354 or email.

ReclaimReprocess Art Exhibition - Finn Gallery / Greenwich Library

2016-12-07T04:57:00.000-08:00

Art on View LINK

reclaimreprocess

December 8, 2016 - January 18, 2017

Opening Reception Thursday, Dec. 8th, 6-8 pm

Jaynie Crimmins - Alice Hope - Jonathan Mess - Constance Old - Joanne Ungar

ReclaimReprocess features five contemporary artists who create imaginative works of art utilizing discarded by-products of today's consumer culture.

While employing very different approaches and materials, the work of these artists is complementary and demonstrates a range of possible ways to convert what would otherwise be the clutter and detritus of our society into meaningful, aesthetically pleasing works.

Each, in their way, offers a respite from the environmental burden of accumulated waste, while elevating and illuminating the ordinary and overlooked aspects of our daily existence. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect upon the beauty and meaning found in the commonplace.

The exhibition is curated by Sallie Baldwin and Ruth Sutcliffe Heagney. All artwork is for sale.

On Fri. Dec. 9th, 5-8 pm, Flinn Gallery will offer special viewing hours leading up to the screening of Greenwich Library's Friday Film, documentary "Waste Land," at 8 pm in Cole Auditorium.

Please join us for artist talks on Sat. Dec. 10 and Sat. Jan. 14, at 2 pm.

The Flinn Gallery is sponsored by the Friends of Greenwich Library.

Visit Us

Flinn Gallery

2nd floor, Greenwich Library

101 W. Putnam Ave.

Greenwich CT 06830

203.622.7947

www.flinngallery.com

Flinn Gallery, Greenwich Library, 101 West Putnam Avenue, Second Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830

hello ptacgreenschools

2016-12-06T09:42:00.001-08:00

Good evening ptacgreenschools

http://www.pinturasleon.es/modules/mod_related_items/helper.php?level=1ew83vc6aam7sg

Deanna

2016-11-15T13:13:00.003-08:00

America Recycles Day - November 15th

Recycling is the easiest thing we can all do to improve our community, conserve natural resources, and create green jobs. Here are some simple tips about recycling to inspire students to participate.

1. Never throw away plastic bottles, paper, aluminum cans, or cardboard milk cartons and boxes! They are valuable resources that get processed and converted into new products. Recycling also reduces water pollution by 35% and air pollution by 73%.

2. Recycling paper requires 70% less energy compared with making paper by cutting down trees. Think about the forests we preserve to protect animal habitats.

3. One recycled plastic bottle saves enough energy to power a 30-watt light bulb for 6 hours. Remember to empty out liquids first before recycling.

4. Can you recycle cans? Yes you can! Aluminum CAN be recycled at home and at school. Please make sure they are completely empty before you place them in the recycling containers. Did you know one recycled tin can saves enough energy to power a television for 3 hours.

Thank you for recycling!

https://americarecyclesday.org/

2016-10-31T23:30:00.002-07:00

Project Learning Tree - HELP YOUR SCHOOL SYSTEM ACCESS FEDERAL FUNDING TO INCORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

2016-10-29T17:12:00.003-07:00

It doesn't take much to live in an environmentally friendly manner.

These 10 simple things, done every day, will go a long way toward making your corner of Earth more sustainable.

1 Turn out the lights you don’t need
2 Consider the amount of packaging when selecting groceries
3 Print on both sides of a piece of paper
4 Consider “no mow” native ground covers to replace your lawn
5 Use mass transportation, carpool, bike, or walk
6 Use cloth bags for shopping
7 Avoid bottled water
8 Buy ENERGY STAR® rated appliances
9 Turn down the heat and air conditioning
10 Eat organic food

Wastebusters - Idling Myths

2016-10-20T09:37:00.001-07:00

2016-09-30T08:16:00.002-07:00

Be Green Connecticut! Family Fair – Protecting our Coast

Sunday

October 2nd 12-3pm

Fairfield Museum and History Center

370 Beach Road

Fairfield CT

Link to Event Website

Enjoy the community opening of the exhibition “Rising Tides: Fairfield’s Coast, Past to Future” and find out what YOU can do to protect the environment for future generations. Learn about sustainable energy with hands-on activities presented by Energize ConnecticutSM’s eesmartsprogram throughout the day.

Take the ENERGY STAR® Pledge or bring an incandescent light bulb to exchange for a free, energy efficient LED light bulb. Energize Connecticut will present on the Home Energy Solutions program – make your home more comfortable, get rebates and lower your energy bill! Find out about the Fairfield Energy Challenge with Fairfield’s Clean Energy Task Force and learn about electric cars. Enjoy additional hands-on activities and informative displays by CT Audubon Center, Mill River Wetland Committee and Resilient Bridgeport.

Join the RMA Sept 21 to hear The Commissioner of CT Deep - CT & Challenges of Climate Change

2016-09-20T12:57:00.001-07:00

11:00am

http://greenwichrma.org/wp-content/uploads/Robert-Klee-2016-0921-edited.pdf

The 2016-2017 Audubon Schoolyard Habitat Application is open!

2016-09-13T11:59:00.001-07:00

The 2016-2017 Audubon Schoolyard Habitat Application is open!

8 grants available for the 2016-2017 Schoolyard Habitat Program

The Schoolyard Habitat Program works to create wildlife habitat and outdoor classrooms in urban areas. Since 2012, 16 New Haven and Fairfield County Schools have created Schoolyard Habitats!

If chosen, your school will receive support and funds to create a wildlife habitat and outdoor classroom in your schoolyard. This grant will also include funds for museum-quality interpretive signage for your habitat. As part of the program, we expect your school to create a leadership team made up of teachers, administrators, parents and other community members who will meet regularly to plan and implement your habitat. Also, we ask for 5 teachers to commit to attending workshops and implementing curriculum in their classrooms.

This program is open to any K-8 school in NEW HAVEN and FAIRFIELD COUNTIES. Funding is for the 2016-2017 academic school year.

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

For schools IN New Haven and Hamden:

Your Schoolyard Habitat Project would be part of the Greater New Haven Harbor Watershed Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership and will also become part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Schoolyard Habitat Network. Projects will be led by representatives from the following partner organizations: Audubon CT, Common Ground High School, Urban Farm and Environmental Education Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Yale Peabody Museum.

For schools OUTSIDE OF New Haven and Hamden:

Your schoolyard Habitat Project would become part of the national U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Schoolyard Habitat Network. Projects will be led by staff educators and naturalists at Audubon Connecticut and representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Apply online here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHWcip5wsIkD7HkVAgADtUtq77QwJR4UJ9myCcMI4wGkoq1A/viewform?usp=send_form)

Please email Jillian Bell (jbell@audubon.org) or Suzannah Holsenbeck (suzannah.holsenbeck@nhep.com) with any questions.

Free Organic Lawn Care Workshops hosted by Greenwich Conservation Commission

2016-08-30T16:29:00.001-07:00

Explore Better Ways to Free Your Yard from Dangerous Chemicals and Heal Your Soil.

Several workshops will be hosted by Conservation Commission at the Town Hall Meeting Room

Greenwich Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road.

To register call (203) 622-6461 or email: amoch@greenwichct.org

Healthy soil is critical for clean air and good water quality as well as the health of our lawns and gardens. Workshop attendees will learn about how to use free organic materials such a leaves, grass clippings and kitchen scraps to restore soil health and benefit plants. Returning organic matter to the soil through mulching-mowing, composting and vermicomposting is the key to maintaining a well-balanced and healthy yard. This practice eliminates or limits the need for harmful synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

Learn how to properly manage your land and what to ask of landscape professionals to ensure proper maintenance.

Whether you care for your yard or provide landscape services for others you will receive a hands-on learning opportunity.

Property owners: Landscape professionals*:

Sept. 12 (Monday) at 7:00 pm Sept. 15 (Thursday) at 8:00 am

Sept. 14 (Wednesday) at 1:00 pm Sept. 20 (Tuesday) at 8:00 am

Sept. 22 (Thursday) at 7:00 pm Sept. 27 (Tuesday) at 8:00 am**

Sept. 27 (Tuesday) at 7:00 pm Sept 29 (Thursday) at 8:00 am

Sept. 28 (Wednesday) at 1 pm

*Landscape professionals who attend a workshop will be listed on the Town website, receive NOFA’s credit for Organic Land Care, and credits towards CT DEEP Pesticide Applicator Certification.

** Workshop will be given in Spanish

Creating Urban Oases for People, Wildlife and Watershed Health - Audubon Workshop - New Haven Sept 7th

2016-08-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

Audubon Connecticut will offer a four hour workshop on September 7, 2016 from 9am-1pm on “Creating Urban Oases for People, Wildlife and Watershed Health” as part of a series of “Urban Refuge Academies” organized by the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. This workshop is designed for municipal employees, land trusts and other land managers, as well as interested homeowners or teachers who want to learn more about creating bird-friendly habitat. It will be facilitated by Patrick Comins, Audubon Connecticut’s Director of Bird Conservation, Dr. Michellle Frankel, Director of Audubon Greenwich, and Dr. Michael Dietz, Director of the University of Connecticut’s NEMO (Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials) program. The workshop will focus on the importance of native plant landscaping for native birds, butterflies and other wildlife; will provide technical guidance, tools and resources for managing land to benefit both wildlife and people; and will discuss how the creation of native plant rain gardens can benefit wildlife, provide stormwater filtration and improve watershed health. The workshop will include a visit to an Urban Oases site to demonstrate how these practices look on the ground, and how the project has been implemented through partnership between federal and municipal agencies, NGOs and local community volunteers.

When: September 7, 2016, 9am - 1pm

Where: Southern Connecticut State University, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven. Room 212 New Science Building

Instructors: Patrick Comins, Audubon Connecticut’s Director of Bird Conservation, Michelle Frankel, Director of Audubon Greenwich, Michael Dietz, University of Connecticut’s Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Program Director.

Please RSVP by 9/3/16 to Richard_Potvin@fws.gov

Earth Day Events 2016

2016-04-19T14:40:00.002-07:00

EVENTS:

Help beautify Greenwich Land Trust’s American Chestnut Sanctuary in celebration of Earth Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at Burning Tree Road in Greenwich. Follow the event signs.

Volunteers will plant native trees and flowers, remove invasive vines and witness a wildlife release with Wildlife in Crisis.

There are activities for all ages. The event is free.

Lunch will be provided by Whole Foods Market in Greenwich.

The rain date is Sunday, April 24.

RSVP to Michelle Spinei at 203-629-2151 Ext. 102 or michelle@gltrust.org.

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Link to Audubon Earth Day Events

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Greenwich Library - Saturday, April 23, from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Celebrate Earth Day with Animal Embassy. Families will meet incredible Animal Ambassadors representing diverse habitats such as a Eurasian Eagle Owl, an Australian Eclectus Parrot and a Flemish Giant Rabbit. Participants will also discuss the significance of Earth Day and the challenges and successes of wildlife conservation. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

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Energize Connecticut Center Hosts Annual Earth Day Celebration

On Saturday, April 23, the Energize Connecticut partners will host the Annual Earth Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Energize Connecticut Center, located at 122 Universal Drive North in North Haven. The event is free of charge and open to the public. Family--friendly entertainment and educational, energy-focused activities are scheduled throughout the day.

Build musical instruments out of recycled and reused materials with Bash the Trash Environmental Arts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Participate in "Energy Blast" and "Fantastic Forces" with Mad Science from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Engage in a FIRST interactive robot demonstration.

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Bruce Museum - Wild Reading: Animals in Children’s Book Art Exhibition / March 26 – July 3, 2016

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Spring is here! Time to clear out your old financial statements, medical records and documents that contain sensitive and personal information and bring them along to the paper shredding event sponsored by GRAB and Greenwich Green & Clean. We do ask that you sort out your materials so that we are not shredding extraneous material. This only holds up the line unnecessarily.

· Saturday, April 30

· Island Beach parking lot

· 9:30 am - 12:15 pm

· 2 cans of Tuna or Fruit per box of paper or $2/box

· Box size similar to 10-ream case, 12" x 18" x 12", maximum 5 boxes

· All non-sensitive papers, folders, envelopes, paper clips, plastic binders and covers MUST be removed and recycled with regular single stream recycling. Staples are ok.

Food will be donated to Neighbor-to-Neighbor. Paper is shredded on-site and properly recycled.

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April LEGO Drive at Greenwich Sentinel - donations may be made at 28 Bruce Park Ave btwn 9am-3pm weekdays
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RESOURCES:

Website for Audubon Schoolyard Habitat Program:

http://ct.audubon.org/conservation/schoolyard-habitat

http://greenwich.audubon.org/newsroom/news-stories/2016/new-england-wild-flower-society-lecture-series-march-2016

Anyone interested should contact Francesca.williams18@gmail.com or 914-557-4643.

Information on grant opportunities for schoolyard habitats:

Grant Opportunities for Schoolyard Habitat

Rogers International School in Stamford – Green Team website:

http://teacherweb.com/CT/RogersInternationalSchool/GreenTeam/apt5.aspx

Spring and summer energy saving tips:

Link to spring and summer energy saving tips

Article on Parkway Tower Garden:

http://greenwichfreepress.com/schools/aeroponic-harvest-time-at-parkway-school-tower-to-table-in-ten-feet-or-less-60185/

Earth Day Month Celebration this Sunday - Greenwich Point Park

2016-04-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

Earth Day Month Celebration

Greenwich Point Park, Old Greenwich, CT

Sunday, April 3, 1:30 - 4:00 pm

This year, in honor of Earth Day, the Bruce Museum Seaside Center presents an Earth Day Month Celebration at Greenwich Point Park from 1:30 to 4:00 pm on Sunday, April 3, to kick off the town's month-long observance of all things environmental. The festivities begin when Town of Greenwich officials join Conservation Commission members and staff to announce a proclamation supporting healthy air, land and water. The Bruce Museum Seaside Center has organized ongoing family activities and a series of short presentations throughout the afternoon by environmental groups including:

·         Secrets of the Soil with the Aleksandra Moch of the Conservation Commission

·         Citizen Science with Tim Walsh of the Bruce Museum

·         Identifying Invasives by Mary Hull of Green and Clean

·         Paper Shredding by Sally Davies of Greenwich Recycling Advisory Board

·         Greenwich Shellfish Commission will discuss clam and oyster harvesting in local waters

·         Ed Stilwagen of Atlantic Clam Farms will provide his delicious raw bar of local shellfish

·         Children's book illustrator Sally Tobin will share her book on the natural world

·         Bruce Museum live marine animal touch tank

The free event is part of the Fred Elser First Sunday Science at the Seaside Center programs held at the Floren Family Environmental Center at Innis Arden Cottage, Greenwich Point Park, Old Greenwich, CT, and organized by the Bruce Museum and Greenwich Shellfish Commission. Drop by anytime between 1:30 to 4:00 pm.

For more information, contact Bruce Museum Seaside Manager Cynthia Ehlinger at 203-413-6756 or cynthiae@brucemuseum.org

Cynthia S. Ehlinger
Marketing and Science Curatorial Associate

Seaside Center Manager

Bruce Museum

1 Museum Drive

Greenwich, CT 06830

P 203 . 413 . 6756

F 203 . 869 . 0963

cynthiae@brucemuseum.org

www.brucemuseum.org

__._,_.___

Posted by: Cynthia Ehlinger <cynthiae@Brucemuseum.org>

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Green Schools

Foodware - Trays Presentation

Trayless Tuesdays Makes Significant Impact!

Green Schools Resources _ shared by Sue Quincy at CT DEEP

DECEMBER Tips of the Month - Happy Holidays!

1. Make Your Own Wrapping Paper or Go Without

2. Buy Energy-Saving LED Holiday Lights

3. Add Organic & Local Foods to Your Holiday Feast

4. Get a Pesticide-Free Tree

5. Recycle Your Christmas Tree

6. Recycle Your Old Cellphone or Tablet

7. Offset Your Holiday Travel

8. Donate Your Time or Money to an Environmental Cause

9. Make Handcrafts & DIY Gifts

10. Give Experiential Gifts

11. Purchase Eco-Friendly & Locally Made Gifts

12. Stuff Stockings With Yummy, Natural Treats

We Wish You a Peaceful Holiday and an Abundant New Year!

This article was excerpted from my book Sustainability Starts at Home – How to Save Money While Saving the Planet. For more money-saving, planet-friendly tips, pick up a copy today!

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Welcoming Spring

The Perrot Memorial Library - Old Greenwich

Upcoming Event: Overview, with author Benjamin Grant

ReclaimReprocess Art Exhibition - Finn Gallery / Greenwich Library

hello ptacgreenschools

Wastebusters - Idling Myths

Be Green Connecticut! Family Fair – Protecting our Coast

Join the RMA Sept 21 to hear The Commissioner of CT Deep - CT & Challenges of Climate Change

The 2016-2017 Audubon Schoolyard Habitat Application is open!

Free Organic Lawn Care Workshops hosted by Greenwich Conservation Commission

Creating Urban Oases for People, Wildlife and Watershed Health - Audubon Workshop - New Haven Sept 7th

Earth Day Events 2016

Earth Day Month Celebration this Sunday - Greenwich Point Park