Chambers Elementary

So here is day 22!  I have so enjoyed this journey - I've learned more about climate solutions, and we've opened a few doors at our little elementary school to continue this work!  Many thanks to the good people at Ecochallenge.org!!  And many thanks to the Chambers Ecochallenge team <3

My vision of a sustainable community includes a lot less 'screen time', more time spent working and playing together, less time indoors, more time outdoors.  In a sustainable community, we are more supportive of each other, we know each other just a little better.  This way, we will build the connections and the political will needed to make...

My diet impacts deforestation because I consume these top four contributing foods:  palm oil, coffee, chocolate, and meat/dairy/eggs (soy crops grown for animal feed).  I have learned that looking for the little green 'Rainforest Alliance Certification' frog on the chocolate and coffee labels helps reduce this impact.  Palm oil can be avoided...

Researching sources of financial help for retrofitting was not too fruitful in this 20 minutes!  So far, in our area, I have found that Central Hudson helps out with financing and rebates of $600-$1000 depending on certain qualifications.  But they are working to help you stay with their services (electric and natural gas).  There looks to be...

I felt my challenge went well. I completed all of my goals and plan to continue with them past the challenge. 

As a teacher I can/will continue to educate my students about the importance of the three R's, as well as other practices they can be part of that will help us create change. Making our young ones aware, and helping them to develop good habits now is part of the solution!

Loved sharing information with my class about recycling- and reducing their waste and reusing. They are excited to learn and inspired to make their own small changes.

Regenerative  agricultural practices increase carbon rich soil. This allows roots to grow deeper, nutrient uptake to increase , water retention to improve and builds pest resistance. All Makes for a better garden! 

I really want to prioritize my family and our experiences over “stuff”. 

Learning about the difference between use by/ sell by/ best by dates definitely increases my awareness that many products do not need to be tossed out. They are safe, even though the date warns otherwise.  Fruits and veggies that aren’t quite as attractive can still be just tasty and healthy when cooked. Also like the idea of stashing fruit in...