Supporting Composting Education in Schools
According to a report by the World Wildlife Foundation, The Kroger Co. Foundation, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, on average, each U.S. school produces 39.2 pounds of food waste per student per year (9% higher than the average amount each American wastes at home), amounting to approximately 530,000 tons per year. This translates into 1.9M MTCO2e of greenhouse gasses and 20.9B gallons of water. At the landfill, the waste then emits an additional estimated 217,500 MTCO2e (methane gas). This combined impact of sending school food waste to landfills is equivalent to adding 46,100 vehicles to the road each year!
Schools We Support
Reducing Waste Through Education
Our K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (“STEAM”) Classroom Composting program is designed to enrich the educational experience of students by integrating composting practices into the curriculum. Our program provides educators with selected classroom composting materials and free access to a downloadable curriculum that accompanies the materials, including lesson plans, posters, and guides to support teachers and parents. Through our initiative, we aim to enhance environmental literacy, foster a deeper understanding of waste reduction and recycling, and inspire the next generation of environmentally conscious citizens while ultimately reducing the amount of waste going from schools and to landfills.
Our waitlist for classroom education materials (including worm farms, books, compost tumblers, soil, and more) is currently closed. Register for our email newsletters to be notified when the waitlist opens.
Why STEAM?
Our program’s alignment Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math principles promotes critical thinking and bridges educational gaps to the underfunded educational settings. In fact, not only does the STEAM framework teach students how to think critically, problem solve and use creativity, it prepares students to work in fields that are poised for growth! A report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth in STEAM-related occupations of 8% between now and 2029, with median annual wages of $86,980 for STEAM jobs, compared to $39,810 for all occupations.
A Proud Partner of Bee Friendly Gardening
Bee Friendly Gardening helps people play a bigger role in the health of pollinators and the planet. Over 85% of U.S. households have an outdoor living space; by converting some to much-needed habitat, together we can have a big impact. Your space can provide support to pollinators and other wildlife - no lawn, garden, balcony or window box is too small! When you join BFG you will receive access to a suite of Member benefits as well as a supportive, inspirational community of fellow Bee Friendly Gardeners. We hope you will join us today!
