Positively Zero Waste : Moving Toward a Sustainable School System!

  • Location
    Ashtabula, Ohio
  • Status
    Active

The Problem

Our project is aimed at zero waste for a better planet for wildlife, domestic animals and humans. Our wish: For students, administration and community members to gain a better understanding about food, plastic, styrofoam and animal waste in Ashtabula County, especially within the Ashtabula Area City School System, and, for them to take positive action by replacing wasteful products and practices with reusable products, plant-based diets and composting!

Our Plan

We will start by introducing 4th-6th grade students to sustainable options which can be used in lieu of plastic and styrofoam products. NOTE: Many of these students have gone through the Kids for Positive Change program and are familiar with skipping the straw, using reusable straws, bags and bottles. We also will work with a community restaurant owner who actively composts, and teach students about the benefits of composting. We'd like to set up a composting station at school and continue our school recycling program. We will have students research sustainable and compostable products, like utensils made from corn and cups made from wheat and provide them with materials to "build" their own compostable products. A main focus will be raising awareness about plastic bag pollution and promoting the use of reusable bags. Much like our Classroom-Community Action Assignment: "The Last Plastic Straw Ashtabula Campaign," we will have students launch a similar campaign about plastic bags. Students will present at Ashtabula City Council and Board of Education meeting about zero waste and how to move toward making Ashtabula Area City Schools a Zero Waste / Sustainable School System!

Themes Addressed

  • term icon
    Food Choices
  • term icon
    Recycle
  • term icon
    Wildlife

The Benefit

About Roots & Shoots

We are nurturing the compassionate leaders of tomorrow.

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