Gale Greenies Science Club – Gale Elementary School
During the 2014-2015 school year, a new club was founded at Gale Elementary school. That club is the Gale Greenies PTC Science Club. Gale Greenies was born out of the intention (of faculty, staff, and parents of Gale) to bring sustainability education and action to the Gale community. The club is open to all currently enrolled students and their families – grades Kindergarten through 5th grade.
The mission of our club is to engage Gale elementary students in scientific learning – focusing on issues facing their health and the health of the planet. Through environmental education and application, we strive to create a sense of stewardship for the Earth in each member of the club. This year’s club is 54 students strong and we have leadership teams focusing on farming, animal habitats, food, energy/water conservation, plastic pollution and endangered species.
Through the work of the club we are reducing the amount of plastic we use at Gale – particularly in our cafeteria and at school functions. We are also reducing our energy consumption as solar panels were installed at our school last year.
How does the company you are nominating exemplify the concept of “reusing”?
The Gale Greenie students develop and implement daily impact projects for the school. Examples of these projects include sustainability tips during the morning announcements and in the classroom newsletters; peer presentations in the classrooms and passive education in the hallways/classrooms of our school. Whenever possible, we reuse materials for these impact projects. As we are working to complete the projects, the adults that volunteer with us facilitate discussions on how we might reuse materials, rather than just tossing them in the trash.
In our efforts to reduce the amount of plastic we use in the school, we actively promote our community bringing reusable containers to our events for beverages.
What is this company’s recycling policy and practice?
Gale has been recycling paper and plastics in the classrooms for a number of years. Weekly, students take the initiative to bring their class’s recycling containers to the recycle bin to ensure they are recycling.
We are working on a composting program for our cafeteria this year, as well as a pollination garden. So, our cafeteria waste will be recycled into compost and serving the pollinators in our community with a healthy garden.
How is this company engaging and informing consumers and employees about the 3 “Rs” and other sustainable practices?
As mentioned, there are daily impact projects happening in our school. But an extension of that – families of Gale Greenie students are involved with the club’s learning environment too. Prior to every club meeting, there are activities that students complete with the help of the adults in their home. There are also take home educational materials for Gale Greenie students to use at home and share what they are learning in the club.
Another important connection to mention is the efforts made by parent volunteers to connect with faculty of Gale and share learning objectives that the club is facilitating that month. This way, the faculty may incorporate into the classroom what the Gale Greenie Club is exploring that month – thus reaching all Gale students and not just those registered for the club.
What else would you like us to know about this company?
The great aspect of Gale Greenies is that the club and driving force is the students that range in age from 5 – 10. They care deeply about the earth and its well-being. The Gale Community is very close in that they take care of one another and this initiative expands their caring and loving ways back to the earth.