The future of our planet's environment rests in the hands of today's young people.
Students and young adults will inherit many of the challenges that older generations created. The challenges of plastic pollution, contamination of oceans, climate change, and a host of other issues will require creative solutions.
To inspire the next generation of environmental scientists, advocates, and leaders, we need to provide environmental educational opportunities. We have listed a few Massachusetts-based and national resources below. We also encourage high school seniors who hope to study an environmental subject after graduation to apply for a Massachusetts Next-Gen Environmental Scholarship.
- Talking Trash & Recycling is an interactive presentation that teaches residents, employees, and students about what happens to their trash and recyclables here in Massachusetts. Learn about the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's innovative new Recycle Smart MA program. Attendees will also learn to reduce the amount of trash they generate, improve their recycling habits, make small changes to lead a more sustainable lifestyle and help the state of Massachusetts achieve its solid waste reduction goals. This fun, engaging, and interactive program is delivered in 45 minutes, with 15 additional minutes of questions and answers at the end. Learn more or request a presentation in your community
- The GREEN TEAM is an interactive educational program that empowers students and teachers to help the environment through waste reduction, recycling, composting, energy conservation, and pollution prevention. Participating classes receive certificates of recognition and are eligible to win awards. Learn more at www.thegreenteam.org.
- Change is Simple is a Beverly, Mass-based nonprofit that instills lifelong social and environmental responsibility in children through experiential and project-based learning that inspires critical thinking and action for healthy people, planet & community. Learn more at www.changeissimple.org
- Project GreenSchools is working to develop the next generation of environmental leaders through hands-on, project-based, solutions-based learning, community service, and action. Students work at the intersection of STEM meets energy, environment and public health, while developing sustainable solutions, soft skills, as well as college and career readiness. Learn more at www.projectgreenschools.org.
