Educating Tomorrow

It's time to have another meeting, so we'll be getting that info out soon. 

Compost:
I finally moved and am getting settled in, so I've been quite busy.  I now have a back yard which means it's time to start a compost bin.  I'm planning to attend the Brooklyn Botanical Garden's workshop on composting:

Thursday, February 28, 6 to 8 pm
make compost with a touch of spanish (bilingual workshop)

This class addresses two audiences—English and Spanish speakers—and is translated in both languages simultaneously throughout the session. We cover the basics of composting in a complete, practical, and interactive way. Participants receive handouts and literature to review at home. Register with Karla Osorio-Pérez at 718-623-7368.

If we want to get wormbins for our classrooms, they will do a workshop for 10 or more teachers and for $10 you get the know-how, a bin, and worms to get all set up.  Let's see if we can set something up at our next meeting.
Learn more about composting in NYC at: http://www.nyccompost.org/

Letters:
The next issue on my mind recently was the fact that I've been thinking about how I need to buy products that are earth friendly and contain recycled content.  I want to only buy paper products that are made out of recycled paper.  When I was in Rite Aid, Duane Reade, and Target recently I had no luck finding these products and it really irritated me.  So I wrote them letters on their website and they have written me back all apoligetic like.  It feels good to be a consumer with a voice.  As promised in my letter I'm encouraging other people to write them these same concerns.  Here is my letter, maybe you want to write them too.  I just went on their websites and found their contact us sections.  Usually they had a form that I filled out and copied my letter into it. 

Please sell Recycled Material and Green Products!

Dear ___________________,

I care about the environment.  I recycle at home.  As a teacher, I educate my students about the importance of recycling.  When I come into your store to buy things I realize the importance of buying products that are made from recycled materials.  I would like for you to sell paper towels and toilet paper made from recycled materials.  I would also like you to carry cleaning products that are biodegradable, like Simple Green.  It’s important that your large company that has locations everywhere acknowledge the threats of Global Warming and GO GREEN by selling products that are good for the environment.  Until you let me know that you will selling these types of products in your store, I will no longer shop at your facility and I will encourage everyone I know to do the same and write you letters requesting the same things I have here.  Please do your part by simply stocking products that are earth-friendly.  I also hope you are doing your part by recycling too.

Thanks for your interest in the environment.  I know you will do the right thing to care for our planet.

Sincerely,
Micki Josi