Engagement in the Community

Students in Recycle t-shirts completing a waste audit.

In an effort to move students to action in our program, we have developed integrated learning opportunities that begin in year one!

This course has partnered with the Lincoln Public Schools Sustainability office since 2015 to actively engage new Environmental Studies students in making local change happen. Students have conducted waste audits for 31 elementary, middle and high schools, as well as the District office, providing data and analysis to the building administrators.

The result of this active research has been the implementation of new composting programs in K-12 schools. These same buildings are already participating in recycling programs and thus have a greatly reduced environmental impact with tons of waste now being diverted from the local landfill into the composting and recycling facilities in this area.

Similarly, our ENVR 101 students have worked in the Fall and Spring terms to develop Earth Day and Green Apple Day of Service projects in collaboration with LPS staff throughout the District. These projects have varied in scope, but have included the renovation of courtyards into outdoor learning spaces and gardens, the development of grade-appropriate sustainability-focused learning projects and curriculum, and hands on activities and special events.