At Journey, we cultivate the students’ intrinsic desire to understand our world and to care for it. Our unique Kindergarten program, nature studies in the lower grades, and rigorous main lesson blocks in middle school work together to teach students age-appropriate science lessons while promoting ethical thinking. In furthering these efforts, here are 6 additional ways we encourage the mindful use of resources:
Waste Cans on Loan from The Ecology Center
These three colorful and informative waste cans clearly labeled for landfill, recycling and compost will be on loan from The Ecology Center for the next three weeks. The goal is to find the best solution for Journey’s waste management. If the faculty, students and Green Team approves of the new look, we will create our own colorful waste stations on campus. A big thank you to the Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano.
Zero Waste Lunches and School Potlucks
The avoidance of commercialism and excessive food packaging is another aspect of our commitment to environmental consciousness. Please try to send snacks and lunches in reusable containers with reusable utensils. We also request cloth napkins. Help Mother Earth by assembling your own re-usable mess kit (plate, cup, utensils, napkin) for all our Journey gatherings.
Compost Wednesdays
We will also be accepting compost in the garden on Wednesdays right at school drop-off time – if you deliver it to the Garden Crew in the Green Heart Garden. According to the Master Gardeners of Orange County “What is Composting?” brochure: GREENS include grass clippings, yard trimmings, green leaves, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and tea bags. Greens contain nitrogen that increases the rapid breakdown of organic material. BROWNS include dried leaves, straw, hay, shredded newspaper or cardboard, and sawdust. Browns contain carbon that increases the surface area and makes decomposition easier. We like to have an even mix of greens and browns. Please keep compost donations to a manageable amount (for instance, 1 container of veggie scraps + a small stack of newsprint).
Recycling Thursdays
Every Thursday morning at drop-off our 4th grade team collects CRV labeled plastic bottles and aluminum cans. No glass please.
Ecoliteracy Curriculum
Read more about our ecoliteracy curriculum on the Journey School website. Our 6th graders help with recycling and compost, 7th graders learn permaculture, and our 8th graders are trained to be Eco-Leaders and ambassadors for the school.
Apple for the Teachers
Our teachers model wellness with their nutrition habits. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could provide them with healthy fruits and veggies for snacking during the day? Please contact Michele at ocplayparks@gmail.com if anyone would like to volunteer to take on coordinating this small task which makes a big difference in the health of our school.
Let us know if you’re interested in being part of our Garden Team, Green Team, and/or Wellness Committee. Contact Michele at ocplayparks@gmail.com for more information.
