Sustainable Impact on Campuses and Communities
Sustainable Impact on Campuses and Communities by Daniel Schrager, CEO at Geared for GREEN Family of Companies
In today's fast changing world, there is no question that sustainability is a necessity! According to a recent UNESCO report, education plays a critical and essential role in raising awareness around key environmental issues and fostering sustainable behavior. By teaching and collaborating with students and youth about sustainability, we can better help instill lifelong and purpose driven habits that benefit people and our planet.
Implementing recycling, sustainability, and circular economy initiatives with students and faculty at schools and communities across the United States is so important for our future. Knowing that students of today are the ones who will shape our future, we can all agree that these sustainable initiatives can be powerful for students, schools, communities, and our planet.
At Campus and Community for GREEN, we believe in the power of education to drive change, especially among youth. That is the catalyst why we created Campus for GREEN. To engage and collaborate with educational institutions across the United States, to promote sustainability and foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
Our Campus for GREEN collaboration with Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Florida exemplifies our commitment to youth! Working side by side with students, faculty, and school management, together we are actively implementing a Comprehensive Campus Circular Economy program, built strategically around our four key (4) key Pillars of Sustainability, to drive economic value to campuses through recycling and sustainability.
Christopher Columbus High School (CCHS) is leading the school sector with a deep commitment to creating positive change through sustainability!
Our 1st Pillar of sustainability is centered around Recycling & Sustainability and our zero waste initiatives. Here we start by providing specially designed recycling bins placed throughout campus and operations, used to collect plastic bottles, aluminum cans, plastic films, bags, and wraps, corrugated cardboard, glass, and other waste and packaging materials that were previously destined to landfill. These recyclable materials are collected around campus and consolidated in the new CCHS Recycling Zone. From there the recyclables are picked up by our Campus for GREEN trucks and delivered “chain of custody” direct to our CFG Regional Recycling Facility for initial front-end sorting and baling. Here we prepare these materials to be converted back into brand new sustainable products, made through the circular economy!
Before launching the CCHS campus Circular Economy program, the school held a recycling drive to commence student participation and engage with the campus community around the Circular Economy. During this year's Earth Day assembly, CCHS faculty announced the winners and explained in detail the school’s commitment to sustainability including plans to showcase quarterly sustainability reports.
Campus for GREEN Circular Economy programs thrive on the active participation of students and faculty. At Christopher Columbus High School, students and teachers are integral to the success of the recycling program. By collaborating on campus projects and participating in eco educational activities, including sustainable workshops on campus, they help create a sustainable campus culture. Success stories include increased recycling rates and the creation of sustainable Circular Economy products used within the school.
Community-based projects are at the heart of our school sustainability efforts. These initiatives not only benefit the local environment but also enhance residents' quality of life. By involving and engaging with the community, we help ensure that sustainability becomes a collective goal! Sustainability projects include local recycling drives, community clean-up events, and eco educational workshops on sustainable practices, and more.
There are many benefits from our Campus for GREEN initiatives. Schools and communities see tangible improvements in waste reduction and resource conservation. Educational institutions report enhanced student engagement and learning outcomes as sustainability becomes a part of the curriculum. Additionally, these programs foster a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship among our youth, preparing them to be the sustainability leaders of tomorrow.
The impact of sustainable initiatives on campuses and communities is profound! By promoting circular economies and collaborating with youth and educators, together we can drive significant positive change!
If your school or community is ready to embrace sustainability and circular economy practices, please contact us at Campus and Community for GREEN.
Let's work together to create a sustainable future for us all.