Education is Fundamental to Protecting our Environment
Solving the challenges of litter, plastic pollution, recycling, climate change and a host of other issues requires that people first understand the challenges we face, as well as actions they can take to help. The educational resources provided here come from a variety of trusted sources and target different age groups. If you have suggestions for additional content you would like to see featured here, or have content to share with us, contact us.
Waste Reduction & Recycling for Schools (all grades)
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A statewide working group for Massachusetts municipalities and volunteers looking to implement waste reduction programs in K-12 schools
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Change is Simple annually engages 8,000 students across 38 schools spanning 13 communities in Eastern Massachusetts. This nonprofit seeks to cultivate lifelong social and environmental responsibility that sparks actionable change for a thriving population, a healthier planet, and stronger communities.
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An interactive educational program that empowers Massachusetts students and teachers to help the environment through waste reduction, recycling, composting, energy conservation and pollution prevention.
Litter Prevention & Cleanup: Kindergarten Through Grade 12
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Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Open Your Eyes to Litter activity book is designed for kids in kindergarten through grade 3. The book provides an introduction to what litter is, how it affects the environment, and includes thoughtful prompts and fun activities. Available for download in English and Spanish.
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This lesson raises awareness about the problems associated with waste disposal and helps students discover how to reduce, reuse and recycle instead. This and many other lesson plans are available at www.thegreenteam.org.
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A brief (41-second) video that teaches pick-up truck drivers about the need to secure their loads.
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Turn the trash barrels in your school or community into works for art.
Waste Reduction & Recycling: Kindergarten Through Grade 12
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This program teaches students how to reduce the amount of trash they generate, improve their recycling habits, and make small changes to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.
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JASON provides free recycling curriculum and learning experiences for K-12 students and high-quality professional development for teachers.
Food Waste & Composting: Kindergarten Through Grade 12
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This 2-minute video from PBS Learning Media teaches kids basic concepts and offers suggestions to help them reduce their own food waste.
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Schools that participate in the Massachusetts Green Team program are eligible for free composting equipment.
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This video from Mass DEP and THE GREEN TEAM explains how to compost at school or at home using an indoor worm bin or an outdoor compost bin.
This Page is a Work in Progress!
If you have lessons, videos, or other educational content that can be shared here, please email us.
