School News You Can Use – February, 2019
Break Out the Sunscreen!
An Early Spring Has Been Predicted!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
- 2019 Conference News – Online Registration Now Open; Keynote Speaker on Ocean Plastics; Call for Award Nominees
- CLUB News – Welcome New Educator-Julia LeMay; Member Updates in Progress
- NRRA Member News & Services – 2019 Compost Bin Sale Coming; What’s Your Sign?
- NRRA Grant News – YIMBY! Grant Presentations in NH, VT & MA; Town & Gown Webinars Ready to View; Keene School District Outreach Work; Presenting School HazMat 101!
- NRRA SWIP News – White River Alliance SWD and Rutland SWAC SWIP Work 2018-2019
- In The News – National Battery Day Feb. 18; Ryan’s Recycling Feature Article; Xmas Trees for Dessert?; All-Female Crew Completes Atlantic Challenge; Earth Day Ideas
- Contests, Scholarships & Fundraisers – Eco-Hero Awards Open; Live Mas Scholarship; Carton 2 Garden Recycling Contest
- Government News (NHDES & EPA & USDA) – Food Matters Action Kit; PEYA/PIAEE Deadlines Extended to March 8
- Activity – Valentine Crafts
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2019 CONFERENCE NEWS
Keynote Speaker on Ocean Plastics

Katherine Shayne
NRRA is pleased to announce that the Keynote Speaker for our 38th Annual Northeast Recycling Conference & Expo is Katherine Shayne.
Katherine is the Co-founder and CEO of Can I Recycle This, Inc., a company using AI to help citizens understand the end-of-life of their products through social media and technology. She received her Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Georgia, where she also earned her B.S. in Environmental Engineering. Katherine consults as a researcher in environmental sustainability focused on material flow systems, citizen science, and marine plastic litter for the Jambeck Research Group and UGA New Materials Institute.
NRRA School Recycling CLUB is pleased to announce that Kat Shayne will have a special presentation just for Schools regarding progress of cleaning up plastic in the ocean.
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Online Registration Now Open!

Pixabay.com
To register now, go to: https://nrra.net/conference/2019-nrra-northeast-recycling-conference-expo/annual-northeast-recycling-conference-attendee-registration-form/
Please Note: For groups with both Teachers and Students, you must complete at least TWO separate forms – one for all of the teachers, one to include all of the students.
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Don’t Forget Your NHtB School Conference Grant!
Thanks to NH the Beautiful, NH Schools will again receive 1/2 off their registrations in 2019, defraying the cost so that more students and teachers can attend. Add that to your early registration for a terrific discount! For the NH the Beautiful Grant Application, CLICK HERE!
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NH School Innovation Grant – $500

pixabay.com
NH Schools – Put on your thinking caps! NH the Beautiful also added a new
$500 School Recycling Innovation Grant in 2018. Start planning your essays now and maybe your school will receive a check at the next Conference!
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Call for Award Nominees!
AWARDS: Do you have a recycling Superstar in your school. We are accepting nominations up until March of 2019. Each winner and their guest will receive free Conference Registration for the School Conference, including meals.
To submit your nomination, fill out one of our Nomination Forms!
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CLUB NEWS
Welcome New CLUB Educator-Julia LeMay!
Julia LeMay considers herself much of an Environmental Scientist. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and notable experience in both clinical and environmental laboratory settings.
She spent time as an after-school program director and respite caregiver. She enjoys teaching children and is very excited about her upcoming position involved in youth education at the NRRA.
Julia is eager to help make the world a greener place and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Welcome to the team, Julia!
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CLUB Membership Update Contest
The CLUB’s first annual CLUB Membership update is in progress. Please take a moment to update your school’s information or to join The CLUB for the first time!
The first 25 responders will receive 10% off their School Recycling Conference registration!
It couldn’t be easier to update your school contact information now that we have our online Member Registration link.
Update from Somersworth Farm to School
On Tuesday, January 22, our friend Wendy Berkeley briefed the local School Board with waste hauler costs and savings information she gathered with help from our own Sarah McGraw!
Well done, Wendy!

clipartpanda.com
What has your recycling club (or transfer station) been up to?
Send us your pictures and we’ll share them in our next newsletter!
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NRRA MEMBER NEWS & SERVICES
2019 Compost Bin Sale Coming!
For all the details, see our Participation Packet.
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What’s Your Sign?
Did you know . . . that NH towns can get free recycling signage through NH the Beautiful?
Towns are allotted a certain number of points each year which they can use for standard town or school signs.
Check with your local Transfer Station or contact info@nrra.net for details on point status and eligibility.
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Planning an Event for Spring? Reserve a Can Cage or Recyclemobile!
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of NRRA, NRRA’s School Recycling CLUB and Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., the Can Cages (2) are available for loan to member schools for FREE!
For more information CLICK HERE or contact Programs Coordinator, Gwen Erley at TheCLUB@NRRA.net.
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Please contact the NRRA by telephone at (603) 736-4401 or by e-mail at info@nrra.net for more information and scheduling details. To reserve the RecycleMobile for your community’s event, download, complete and send in the RecycleMobile Reservation Form.
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Thanks to NH the Beautiful, schools may purchase discounted recycling bins and ClearStreams.
For discounted school recycling bins, go to: http://www.nhthebeautiful.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/School-Bin-writable-Application.pdf
For discounted school ClearStreams™ Recyclers, go to: http://www.nhthebeautiful.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SCHOOL-CLEARSTREAMS_updated-1-5-15.pdf
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NRRA GRANT NEWS
YIMBY! – Yes In My Backyard!
NRRA is proud to announce that dates have been set for YIMBY Operator and Educator presentations!
YIMBY! – Yes In My Backyard! – will focus on composting, waste audits and batteries.
- Learn organics management techniques as you navigate the organics waste stream.
- Increase your understanding of the best management practices for waste batteries.
- Connect with community waste reduction efforts.
- Earn credits for professional development & certification.
To get on our pre-registration list, contact Sarah McGraw at smcgraw@nrra.net.
For details about the grant, see our Press Release!
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Town & Gown Webinar Links Now Available!
Outreach training in NH and VT has been completed and we are pleased to present the completed webinars for professional development credit to Operators and Teachers where applicable.
(Please note that you must register and complete each webinar evaluation to receive credit. All webinars are proprietary and cannot be duplicated or disseminated without express written permission from NRRA.)
To access our webinars, go to our RESOURCES Page!
Presenting … School HazMat 101!
Are you concerned about your school’s health and safety? NRRA’s School HazMat 101: A Blueprint for Hazardous Materials Management in Schools was written specifically to help the entire school community benefit from addressing hazardous materials use. Funded by the USDA Rural Utilities Program, this manual provides information that improves the school’s ability to employ safe management practices.
Many people are accustomed to using hazardous materials in their everyday lives and have become desensitized to the potential health and environmental risks. They also may not fully understand the short and long-term health and environmental consequences. NRRA’s School HazMat 101: A Blueprint for Hazardous Materials Management in Schools reveals how hazardous materials can be used safely by raising awareness of the role hazardous materials play in their lives and the associated risks. This manual informs school personnel how to be pro-active in protecting themselves, the students, the environment, and by taking a leadership role in their community.
For grant reporting purposes, we are asking that schools contact NRRA individually and sign a Terms of Use stating they will not share their password. We want to track interest areas and demographics. Once we receive your signed Terms of Use, we will send you the password and link for School HazMat 101. Please send your signed Terms of Use to info@nrra.net.
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Concerned about your school’s air quality? If you would like to have an assessment done at your school, you may order our Technical Assistance Training – Green Cleaning & Indoor Air Quality Assessment. For details, check out our MENU or contact Gwen Erley at gerley@nrra.net.
Keene School District Recycling Program
The Keene School District has contracted NRRA’s School Recycling CLUB to provide analysis, programming and equipment to facilitate effective and cost-saving recycling throughout the District.
Phase One was completed in 2017 with Star Assessments being done at each school. Surveys were sent to staff at all seven schools to gauge their current recycling efforts. Programming and recycling equipment will be provided this coming school year.
In preparation for this programming, a Star Assessment Training was held on Sept. 14 for representatives from each of the Keene schools. (See Press Release.) Each representative (along with several Girl Scouts) learned how to collect the field data needed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of their school’s current recycling program. The representatives will collect their data and send it to NRRA for analysis and a final report.
For more information, please contact Gwen Erley, Programs Coordinator at gerley@nrra.net.
Teacher Resources Available for Purchase!
Classic K-12 Recycling Activities with
21st Century Standards
Thanks to grant funding through USDA-Rural Development, NRRA’s School Recycling CLUB is proud to offer the newest editions of their school curricula 3R’s of the Common Core: A Teacher’s Resource Guide to Solid Waste and Recycling and Teaching Toxics: Creating Solutions to Household Pollution. These references are divided into age appropriate lessons for K-3, 4-6, 7-8 and 9-12. Schools may select from hard copy or PDF versions.
In addition, four classroom workshop modules have been updated and are available in PDF versions only. They are:
- Garbage Guerrillas
- Back to the Earth
- Healthy Home/Clean Waters
- Waste = Global Climate Change
Anyone else interested in purchasing these resources should contact NRRA Programs Coordinator, Gwen Erley, at gerley@nrra.net.
- For the Pricing Guide, click HERE.
- For the Terms of Use, click HERE.
- For the Curricula Descriptions, click HERE.
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NRRA SWIP NEWS
White River Alliance Solid Waste District School Outreach Continues for 2018-19 School Year
Workshops and Technical Assistance Available
Vermont – We have completed our first and started our second round of outreach to schools in the White River Alliance Solid Waste District in Eastern/Central, VT. We will be working with two schools in the 2018-2019 school year.
School outreach consists of four workshops and two technical assistance trainings. These are being paid for by the Alliance so there is no cost to the schools.
Alliance communities include: Barnard, Bethel, Granville, Hancock, Pittsfield, Rochester, Royalton and Stockbridge.
For more information, please contact The CLUB at TheCLUB@nrra.net.
Rutland County SWAC SWIP Outreach
Ramping Up for 2019
Vermont – On behalf of the Rutland County Solid Waste Alliance Communities (RCSWAC), NRRA is providing school outreach to assist with Act 148, Universal Recycling compliance.
Fair Haven, VT enjoyed a presentation on Healthy Home/Clean Waters through our USDA Town & Gown Grant. See the PRESS RELEASE for details.
Outreach planning has begun for the 2018-2019 school year. School outreach consists of an NRRA Star Assessment and ANR School Recycling Scorecard. There is no cost to the schools thanks to RCSWAC grant funding.
RCSWAC Member towns include: Benson, Chittenden, Fair Haven, Middletown Springs, Pawlet, Rutland Town, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, Tinmouth and West Haven.
For more information, please contact The CLUB at TheCLUB@nrra.net.
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IN THE NEWS
Get Charged Up for National Battery Day 2019!
Annual awareness day drives consumer engagement and education of battery recycling across U.S.
Batteries power our everyday lives and provide many conveniences. While we use batteries and products with batteries daily, many individuals don’t know how to properly dispose of them once they reach their end-of-life. The answer: responsible recycling. February 18th marks National Battery Day, the perfect time to jump-start your battery recycling efforts. We’re proud to partner with Call2Recycle on this annual awareness day to spotlight the importance and ease of battery recycling.
Get Charged Up on National Battery Day by collecting your old household batteries and taking them to a Call2Recycle drop-off location. You can also visit participating retail partners like The Home Depot and Lowe’s, which accept rechargeable batteries and cellphones. Green up your community and spread the word about National Battery Day 2019! To access promotional materials and information, visit Call2Recycle’s National Battery Day page. To learn more about safe battery handling, management and recycling, visit Call2Recycle.
Ryan’s Recycling Featured in Waste
Advantage Magazine
We were very pleased to see Ryan’s Recycling on the cover of the WasteAdvantage Magazine in January! We have been covering his efforts for several years now and his story is amazing!
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE!
Christmas Trees for Dessert?
From our Friends at Waste Advantage Magazine
Your Christmas Tree Could Be Recycled Into Sugar
Posted January 13, 2019
One day soon, you may be able to have your Christmas tree and eat it too. Because if researchers at the University of Sheffield get their way, we’ll turn our Christmas trees into dessert. In a piece for The Conversation, Cynthia Kartey, a doctoral student contributing to this research, explains … Learn More>
From our Friends at Waste360.com
All-female Crew Finishes Atlantic Challenge to Build Plastic-free Legacy
The team has completed the world’s toughest row to raise awareness of ocean plastic pollution for Surfers Against Sewage.
Waste360 Staff | Jan 30, 2019
In the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, British team Row for the Ocean became the first all-female crew to reach the finish line of the 2018-19 race. Rowing 3,000-miles across the Atlantic, the adventurers completed the world’s toughest row in aid of raising awareness of ocean plastic pollution for charity Surfers Against Sewage.
For the whole story, CLICK HERE!
Ideas for Earth Day (April 22)
From our Friends at the Earth Day Network
This year, Earth Day Network is working to Protect Our Species, and we urge you to join us.
The good news is that through advocacy, education, changes in consumer behavior, preservation of current legal protections and advancement of new policies, species extinction can be slowed!
We’re offering the resources below to help you educate, inspire, and organize your communities and networks to protect species locally and globally.
- 10 Facts on Global Species Decline
- What you Need to Know About Declining Species
- Earth Day 2019 Organizers Toolkit
- Earth Day 2019 Teach-In Toolkit
- Climate Education Week Toolkit for Educators and K-12 Students
- Plan a “Protect Our Species” communications campaign using the hashtags #EarthDay2019 and #ProtectOurSpecies and tagging us @EarthDayNetwork.
Together we can slow the pace of extinction and Protect Our Species. Got ideas? Please share your plans to Protect Our Species with us.
Thank you for being part of the global movement to make Earth Day Every Day!
From our Friends at NH Audubon
February Fun Vacation Camp
February 25-March 1 at McLane & Massabesic Centers
February Fun Vacation Camp is a special opportunity for children to learn about nature in winter. Join us for a single day, several days, or the whole week. Each day will include outdoor excursions, games, crafts, stories, live animals, songs, and conservation projects to help participants discover the wonders of the season. Children should bring their own lunches and snacks and be prepared to be outside with appropriate clothing.
Registration is now open for February camp! (Go to online registration)
From our Friends at VT Institute of Natural Science
VINS Owl Festival
Feb. 23 & 24
Calling all owls and owl lovers!
Join us for a day of all things owly on either Saturday, February 23rd or Sunday, the 24th at the VINS Nature Center. Gather with live owls from all over the world, discover their life stories, get your face painted and delight in delicious food. Learn about current owl research and about VINS’ owl rehabilitation. Spice up your experience by dressing as your favorite owl! You never know whooo you’ll run into.
#OWLFEST2019
To reserve your tickets, go to: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eg01daqpc6f4dffd&llr=7rui5moab
From our Friends at NWF.org
EcoCareers Conference for High School Students & Teachers – Online Feb. 27-28
Who: High Schools classes or individual students
What: EcoCareers Conference: Navigating the Future Green Economy
When: February 27-28, 2019
Where: Online
Cost: Free for high school students and high school groups
About: As businesses and communities react to a warming world, it is more essential than ever that all graduates REGARDLESS OF MAJOR, are prepared to integrate sustainability practices and strategies into their careers in business, technology, manufacturing, government and beyond.
Students interested in learning about green career opportunities are invited to join the National Wildlife Federation’s EcoCareers Conference for this virtual event to hear from leading sustainability sector experts.
- Where are the well-paying jobs in this changing economy?
- Develop a personalized career plan
- Identify top academic programs and green credentials
- Explore sustainability career skill development opportunities
- Learn about resources to enhance academic curricula across disciplines
Recycling & Environmental Game Links
In our internet travels, we have found several links to recycling and environmental games and activities that students might enjoy:
- Kids Recycling Zone: The Assoc. of Plastics Recycling: https://www.kidsrecyclingzone.com/
- EPA Planet Protectors: https://www.epa.gov/students/planet-protectors-activities-kids
- EPA Recycle City: https://www3.epa.gov/recyclecity/challenge/index.html
- Nico’s Quest to Recycle: https://www.saveonenergy.com/learning-center/kids-recycling-guide/
- Super Sorter: http://www.iwanttoberecycled.org/game?gclid=CjwKCAjw3rfOBRBJEiwAam-GsG1SBQnn2PKqNvrvrKzFvvlcQlUUAyN5iA03LAwI9w5zS4MvarSlxhoCS-0QAvD_BwE
- Recycle Roundup: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/action/recycle-roundup-new/
- Turtle Diary: https://www.turtlediary.com/game/recycling-waste.html
- NASA Recycle-this: https://climatekids.nasa.gov/recycle-this/
- National Geographic Kids: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/nature/kids-vs-plastic/#sea-turtle-with-plastic.jpg
As the weather forces us indoors, are you concerned about your school’s indoor air quality?
For technical assistance, please consider The CLUB’s Indoor Air Quality & Green Cleaning training. For an overview, you can view our recorded webinar located on our Resources page. Just scroll down to Webinar 13.
For more information about scheduling an evaluation for your school, please contact TheCLUB@nrra.net.
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CONTESTS, SCHOLARSHIPS & FUNDRAISERS
We Have a Winner!
From our Friends at the CompostingCouncil.org
The New Poster Design for International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) 2019 Has Been Chosen
Meet the ICAW 2019 Poster Contest Winner
Reston, VA, December 6, 2018 – The ICAW Committee of the Compost Council Research & Education Foundation, is pleased to announce the winning design for ICAW 2019. Chosen from hundreds of entries sent in from throughout the world, formerly from Michigan and now an LA-based illustrator and designer, Evan Clark is this year’s ICAW Poster Contest winner. Using his artistic talents, Evan cleverly used a series of illustrations to highlight the many benefits of compost. As you can see from his bio “photo,” he lives and breathes his work – much like his attitude towards environmental issues.
For the whole article, go to: https://www.compostfoundation.org/ICAW/ICAW-Poster-Contest
From our Friends at NOAA
NOAA 2019 Marine Debris Calendars Now Available

Cover art by art contest winner Emma M, Grade 6, Pennsylvania
To download a copy or order a limited hard copy of the calendar, go to: https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/2019-marine-debris-calendar-available-download?utm_medium=email&utm_source=GovDelivery
From our Friends at Action for Nature
Nominations Open for 2019 Eco-Hero Awards
Action For Nature’s 2019 International Eco-Hero Youth Awards are officially OPEN! We recognize and reward individual environmental initiatives of young people ages 8-16 with a cash prize of up to $500, a certificate of achievement, and public recognition.
All applications must be submitted by February 28th, 2019. Please help us spread the word and share with young environmentalists, youth organizations, and educators! To apply, go to: https://actionfornature.org/eco-hero-awards/application-form/
From our Friends at NWF.org
NWF Photo Contest – Jan. 16 to Mar. 22
The National Wildlife® Photo Contest, which began more than four decades ago, celebrates the power of photography to advance conservation and connect both photographers and viewers with wildlife and the outdoors. The most compelling nature images can help protect wildlife in profound ways.
We are excited to announce the following eight categories for entry in our 2019 contest: Birds, Mammals, Reptiles & Amphibians, Insects & Other Invertebrates, Underwater Wonders, Landscapes & Plants, People in Nature, and a new Youth category for nature photographers age 13-17.
For details, go to: https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/Photo-Contest?s_email_id=20181215_MEM_ENG_WLO_December_Edition|MTOther
From our Friends at DoSomething
DoSomething/Taco Bell Foundation Live Mas Scholarship
That’s right! The Live Más Scholarship isn’t based on your grades or how well you play sports. No essays, no test scores, no right or wrong answers.
Are you between the ages of 16-24? Do you have a unique passion and want to make a difference in the world? Then apply to win a Live Más Scholarship for up to $25,000!
All you have to do is explain your life’s passion and how the Live Más Scholarship will help you reach your dreams through a simple 2-minute video. Learn how to apply before the February 21 deadline!
It’s Not Too Early to Think Spring!
From our Friends at Kidsgardening.org
Carton 2 Garden
Open to public and private schools, Carton 2 Garden will award fifteen innovative garden creations featuring creative and sustainable uses for repurposed milk and juice cartons – including a $5,000 grand prize! Register today and get exclusive lesson plans to integrate your project with your classroom.
Entries are due by Monday, March 25, 2019 by Midnight PST.
You can access the online entry form at:
https://kidsgardeninggrants.limequery.org/241225?lang=en
From our Friends at National Wildlife Federation
Young Reporters for the Environment
NWF is looking for candidates for their 2018-2019 Young Reporters for the Environment Competition. Keep the following dates in mind:
- February 22, 2019 – Entries due
- April 10, 2019 – National winners announced. 1st place winners progress to international level.
- June 5, 2019 International winners announced (World Environment Day)
For more information on this competition, CLICK HERE!
Other School Grant Opportunities
- Youth Services America: They offer multiple grant opportunities: ysa.org/grants
- NWF Eco-Schools Newsletter: http://www.nwf.org/Eco-Schools-USA/Newsletter.aspx?s_email_id=20150819_ECO_ENG_Educators|#schoolyardhabitats
- DonorsChoose.org: Can list on site up to 4 months: http://www.donorschoose.org/about
Helps classrooms and students in need. - DoSomething.org: DoSomething.org offers many ways to earn scholarship money.
- GrassRoots Grants: https://grassrootsfund.org/dollars
- Seed grants – grants up to $1,000 to New England community-based groups with newly evolving local projects – apply anytime!
- Grow grants – grants up to $3,500 to groups working to expand existing projects and broaden their scope – due March 15 & Sept. 15
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GOVERNMENT NEWS (NHDES & EPA & USDA)
From our Friends at EPA
Food Matters Action Kit: Invitation to participate in the Pilot Phase January – March 2019
There is an opportunity to pilot activities in the forthcoming Food Matters Action Kit, an exciting new resource designed to help youth (ages 5-23) take action on reducing food waste. Interested organizations, schools, youth groups, clubs, or classes are being invited to participate in the pilot phase. By participating in this phase, your group will have the opportunity to test out the Food Matters Action Kit by completing one or more food waste reduction activities or lesson plans between January and March 2019. Pilot participants are being asked to test out whatever part of the toolkit works for them, and then to upload photos and descriptions of their actions on our website. Participating organizations or groups will be featured on the website when the Action Kit is launched in March 2019, with an opportunity to be highlighted as part of the launch promotions.
If you’re interested in learning about how to fight food waste and/or looking for activities and lesson plans on that subject, please consider participating in the pilot phase! For more info, please contact the U.S. Team Lead: Jonathan Bloom (American Wasteland author & wastedfood.com founder); e-mail: wastedfood@gmail.com ; phone: (919) 357-2548
For the PDF with all the details, CLICK HERE!
Deadlines Extended!
Applications Open for PEYA & PIAEE
WASHINGTON — Applications are now being accepted for the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) and The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators Award (PIAEE).
Applications are due March 8, 2019.
EPA is seeking PEYA and PIAEE awards applications that highlight environmental stewardship in a variety of areas, including the following: environmental sustainability: a healthy school environment including projects that reduce food waste in school cafeterias; environmentally friendly agriculture practices; reducing human contributions to ocean litter and how to prevent it; school gardens; recycling; or using STEM to teach environmental education.
The PEYA program recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects by K-12 youth, promoting awareness of our nation’s natural resources and encouraging positive community involvement.
EPA will select up to two winners in each of EPA’s 10 Regions – one regional winner for Grades K-5 and one regional winner for Grades 6-12. Winners of this year’s awards will be invited to a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in mid-2019, and have their project mentioned on EPA’s website.
All student projects must be sponsored by at least one adult over the age of 21. The application and eligibility information are available at: https://www.epa.gov/education/presidents-environmental-youth-award.
For more information, please contact PEYA@epa.gov.
The PIAEE is an annual award program administered by the Office of Environmental Education at EPA. Since 1971, the EPA has recognized exceptional K-12 teachers employing innovative, interactive approaches to environmental education.
PIAEE awardees will receive an award of up to $2,500 to be used to further the recipient’s professional development in environmental education. The teacher’s local education agency will also receive an award of up to $2,500 to fund environmental educational activities and programs (and not for construction costs, general expenses, salaries, bonuses, or other administrative expenses).
EPA will select up to two winners in each of EPA’s 10 Regions.
Details regarding application requirements and descriptions of winning projects since 2002 can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/education/presidential-innovation-award-environmental-educators
For more information, please contact: PIAEE@epa.gov.
EPA’s WasteWise encourages organizations and businesses to achieve sustainability in their practices and reduce select industrial wastes.
WasteWise is part of EPA’s sustainable materials management efforts, which promote the use and reuse of materials more productively over their entire lifecycles.
To learn more, go to WasteWise Fact Sheet.
As part of EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge, organizations pledge to improve their sustainable food management practices and report their results. The FRC is part of EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management Program (SMM). SMM seeks to reduce the environmental impact of materials through their entire life cycle. This includes how they are extracted, manufactured, distributed, used, reused, recycled, and disposed.
To learn more, go to: EPA FRC
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ACTIVITY
There’s Still Time to Be a Valentine!
From our Friends at Allfreekidscrafts.com
Keepsake Doodle Heart Rocks
By: International Arrivals from www.ooly.com
Updated October 17, 2018
“Hearts aren’t just for Valentine’s Day. Doodle hearts can be enjoyed year long and it’s easy to turn your coloring page hearts into special keepsake rocks for your friends and family. Start off by downloading this free Doodle Hearts Coloring Page. Using your favorite markers or gel pens color in the hearts. Check out the full tutorial to find out how best to adhere your hearts to the rocks. Your friends and family will love the special stones you’ve made for them.”
Click here for free kids craft
Sweets for the Sweet!
From our Friends at Allfreeholidaycrafts.com
Clothespin Valentines
By: Kierste Wade from Simply Kierste

This image courtesy of simplykierste.com
These handmade valentines are cute enough to display, and since they use a clothespin they’re easy to display too! Make a few of these Clothespin Valentines for your friends and family this year. This unique and creative Valentine’s Day craft is not only fun to make, but easy to make too. Go ahead and get crafting this February. There’s no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than through craft.
- Estimated Cost: $11-$20
- Time to complete: Weekend project
- Primary Technique: Paper Crafts
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Click here for Valentine’s Day craft
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GREEN CALENDAR
02/18/19 – National Battery Day – For further information to: www.call2recycle.org/
03/18/19 – Global Recycling Day – The second annual celebration from the Bureau of International Recycling! For more information, visit: www.bir.org.
03/22/19 – World Water Day – To plan your event, visit www.unwater.org.
04/22/19 – Earth Day – To plan your event, see future newsletters and visit www.earthday.org.
04/26/19 – Arbor Day – To plan your event, visit www.arborday.org.
05/08/19 – Bike to School Day – To register your school event:
http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/
05/20-21/19 – NRRA’s 38th Annual Recycling Conference & Expo
05/21/19 – School Recycling CLUB’s 10th Annual School Recycling Conference (the Conference within the Conference); Registration assistance available for NH schools through NH the Beautiful.
06/05/19 – World Environment Day – To plan your event, visit www.un.org/en/events/environmentday.
06/08/19 – World Oceans Day – To plan your event, visit www.worldoceansday.org.
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Phil or No Phil, According to the Calendar,
Only 33 Days Until Spring!
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WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL CLUB UP TO? The NRRA School Recycling CLUB always loves to hear what its members and other schools are doing to recycle and help the environment so we can share it through our newsletter. There are so many different things being done, and you are our best source of information about what is working in your school. It can be a new program, a long-term project that’s been proven over time, a field trip, etc. Always feel free to contact me or submit something and you may see it in the next School News You Can Use! – Gwen Erley, TheCLUB@nrra.net 1-603-736-4401, Ext. 19