Green Schools Initiative’s Green Star Schools Program
From 2011-16, I worked with Deborah Moore from the Green Schools Initiative to create and implement a comprehensive strategy to reduce waste within Berkeley Unified School District. We wrote grants to the UC Berkeley’s Chancellors Fund and the program was subsequently funding by the Altamont Advisory Board. The program included teacher training workshops, waste audits, presentations, an innovative video and creative lesson plans to inspire students to reduce waste. The program resulted in $50,000 in savings and a 30% increase in recycling rates; and ultimately paved the way for me to be hired to write the District’s first Sustainability Plan in 2018.
“As a fellow environmentalist, I immediately got involved with the Green Star Schools Program, acting as a teacher liaison from Oxford Elementary School for waste reduction activities and attending several teacher training workshops. I have profound respect for Susan as an educator, experienced community organizer and climate justice activist.”
Jackie Omania – Winner, EPA’s Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators
