With today’s youth inheriting the Earth, what better place to teach them how to save it than in our schools?  That is exactly what San Rafael Clean, Marin Conservation Corps, Marin Sanitary Service, Green Sangha, and the City of San Rafael Volunteer Program aim to do through their School Litter and Waste Reduction Program.  Started in the spring of 2007, its purpose is to raise awareness of the environmental effects of litter and to demonstrate tools for reducing the harms of litter and waste. The goals for these classes will incorporate showing a connection between litter and the environment, instill an ethic of stewardship of the earth, and reduce litter on school grounds.

The first school to participate in the pilot offering in the spring of 2007 was Laurel Dell Elementary,  where second and third graders experienced three lessons using a variety of modes of instruction, including games, brief video clips, and participatory lecture-demonstrations.  In the 2007-08 school years, anti-litter lessons will be offered to every elementary school in San Rafael and the Davidson Middle School, with trained interns from Americorps, City of San Rafael volunteers, and parent volunteers taking part in leading these free classes at all grade levels.

This program will offer a variety of teaching methods from a brief ten-minute visit for an appeal for stewardship to a single 45-60 minute lesson with mixed media and, finally, a three hour-long interactive lesson with class projects and an evaluation of results. Any of these elements can be combined or customized for a school’s unique wishes and aims. By keeping these classroom visits spirited, inspirational and engaging, it is hoped that this educational program will inspire our young people to appreciate the earth’s frailty and be inspired to save it through good habits and volunteerism.

For further information on the Litter and Waste Reduction Program, or to enroll your school in these free Earth-Saving classes dedicated to enlightening today’s youth, call Cory Bytof at 485-3407 or go here to sign up.


Contact Information: Cory Bytof;  415.485.3407/3436;  Email: Cory.Bytof