‘Ooey, gooey or chewy’ is the rule to recycling

A group of students from Linwood E. Howe Elementary School gathered at the Culver City Unified School District headquarters on March 22.

            Armed with sandwich boards, recyclable garbage and a message, the Green5 campaign trainers were ready to share their knowledge with the district staff.

            Green5 is a school board appointed volunteer committee formed to educate students and the community about sustainability and environmental issues throughout the Culver City school district.

            The Green5 campaign was piloted last year at Linwood Howe. It has been so successful that this year Green5 programs have been launched at Farragut Elementary School and El Marino Language School.

            “Through Green5, we aim to make a real positive shift in Lin Howe community’s culture by bringing the concept of sustainability and its significance to the forefront of our everyday lives, ” said Shea Cunningham, parent of two Linwood Howe students and advisory member of CCUSD’s Environmental Sustainability Committee.

            There are plans to launch the program in El Rincon Elementary School as well as La Ballona Elementary School.

            Todd Johnson, the co-chair of the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee prepped the students for their presentation as the district staff filed into the room.

“The  were both excited and nervous. This model of having the kids do the entire presentation was not in place at Lin Howe, so it was the first time they did the presentation. Super mom extraordinaire Kathleen McKernin created this “kids as trainers” model at Farragut, and then it was evolved for El Marino, but this was the first time anyone presented it to an all adult audience,” said Johnson.

            The Green5 student trainers wore sandwich boards that spelled out G-r-e-e-n-5. Each child was responsible for explaining one environmental issue.

“The Environmental Sustainability Committee has been in the process of, and planning the roll out of the Green5 education program at each school, starting at the elementary schools, so there would be an established cultural norm when kids arrived at the middle school and high school,” said Johnson.

“When the new superintendent, Mr. LaRose met with the ESC to review progress and plans, he said that he wanted to include the district office in the sustainable training and procedures.  When he saw some of the student trainers presenting the material, he suggested having the kids come to the district office.”

            The Green5 program is focused on five simple things everyone can do at school, work and home to help the environment.

            Fifth-grader, Xochi represented “Letting The Sunshine In.”

            “I am asking that you help Mother Nature help you. Let’s open the blinds, turn off the lights and let the sunshine in. Sunlight is free. The cost of non-renewable energy is second only to salaries. We want to hire more teachers and staff and raise salaries, not our energy costs,” said Xochi.

            The next message, presented by fifth-grader Ruby, was “Unplug It.” Ruby educated the district staff on the importance of turning off appliances when not in use.

            “Keep an eye out for any electronics that are running when they are not in use, and share things like coffee makers and refrigerators,” reiterated Johnson.

            The other sustainability issues included dressing appropriately for the weather, bringing your own water bottle to reduce plastic bottles and the importance of recycling.

            “The district reportedly consumes 360,000 disposable plastic water bottles per year, not including the ones kids bring from home, or that groups purchase for events. By using a refillable, reusable bottle you will cut down on trash and plastic, but it also saves money,” said Kathleen McKernin, a member of the Environmental Sustainability Committee

            The students complied a bulletin board of common items that can be recycled. A catchy slogan reminded the onlookers how to remember what can and cannot be recycled.

            “If it is not ooey, gooey or chewy, it is usually recyclable.”

The Environmental Sustainability Committee is a volunteer group. For more information contact Todd Johnson by email Simonsdad@mac.com