April 8, 2020
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| Catlin Gabel School |
For many years schools have used an exorbitant amount of energy while producing of mountains of plastic that just end up in landfills, creeks, and the ocean. Catlin Gabel School in Portland, Oregon, a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School, decided to make a change from the everyday wasteful lifestyle of schools, so we visited their campus earlier this week to witness the amazing changes they have enacted.
We took a step inside the Catlin Gabel School middle school building and noticed that all the kids had brought reusable and durable plates and utensils, made out of bamboo. One of the kids, Alison James, a 6th grader, told us that by using these durable plates, they wouldn't throw out any plastics, or one-use items. We talked to other kids, who told us that they rarely printed, and when they had to print a handout, the class would reuse it in future years. Catlin Gabel has really opened the eyes of other schools, almost leading them to victory. These amazing changes do not end here, though; most of CGS's eco-friendly characteristics are focused upon the idea of gardening.
Catlin Gabel gardens during free periods, after school, and sometimes during classes. "How does gardening help the environment?" we asked some sixth graders who were out gardening. They were thrilled to explain. They told us that they harvested the food and brought it to the school lunch room. All of the produce was from the garden. They even gave us some samples, and the fruits and veggies were delicious. Gardening benefits the community in a big way.
These eco-friendly changes have influenced other schools greatly, and the Catlin Gabel facilities department team regularly visits other schools to help them by doing energy and waste audits.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Kody and I'm a student at Punahou School. It is amazing that Catlin Gabel School has taken far steps to help save the environment. If every school in the world does the same thing, maybe we wouldn't have a dying environment. Planting is a smart idea, since we are cutting down trees very fast. I may go and start a garden at my house and convince my friends to do so to.
Hello, my name is Ilya from Punahou School.
ReplyDeleteGood idea with the bamboo plates! You don't have to throw them out, so they don't produce waste. Do you wash the bamboo plates at school or do you bring them at home and wash them there? I think It would be good idea to keep them and wash them at school in the cafeteria.
I also like the idea with the handouts! Very smart! But how will you protect the handouts from being damaged?
What is the "black box"?
I think I would like to visit you one day in the future (get it... :D).
Hi, My name is Jason and I am a student at Punahou School. I think that the steps that the Catlin Gabel School is taking is going to benefit the world in a huge way. I think that if this becomes aware by the public that more people will take the same steps as your school. I think that is more schools do the same as you guys that it will help the worlds energy consumption to be decreased.
ReplyDeleteHey, Lucy and C.C!
ReplyDeleteI'm Nicole, from Punahou School in Honolulu. I agree with Ilya; (the other commenter) the bamboo plates are a great idea! Bamboo is really fast-growing and plentiful. Gardening is a wonderful alternative to buying foods in a supermarket. Thank you for sharing your post!
Hi! My name is Marisa and I am a student at Punahou School in Hawaii. Catlin Gabel School seems to have made a significant impact on not only schools, but also the environment. I think the gardening opportunity is very brilliant. It allows the students to learn through the gardening experience and it also benefits the school and the community. It is also very considerate of the Catlin Gabel School to assist other schools in energy conservation. This is a very cool school!
ReplyDelete