Question: What can I do to fight climate change? SEE ANSWER > What can kids/students do to fight climate change?SEE ANSWER > What can parents do with their kids to fight climate change?SEE ANSWER > What is a “green” school?SEE ANSWER > How can I green my school? SEE ANSWER > What can my classroom/school do for Earth Day?SEE ANSWER > What can my classroom/school do to fight climate change?SEE ANSWER > I am a teacher, where are some resources to teach about this subject?SEE ANSWER > Why don’t we have national standards for environmental education like we do for math and science?SEE ANSWER > How do we fundraise for change, especially in a sustainable manner?SEE ANSWER > What major changes do we need to make as earthlings to really slow down or stop global warming? SEE ANSWER > What are the most exciting things going on right now with green building technology?  SEE ANSWER > What will the future look like for a small town in Arkansas called Dumas? SEE ANSWER > What is CI doing to promote conservation of less charismatic species such as amphibians and reptiles?SEE ANSWER >

To: Sean Miller, Earth Day Network

What can I do to fight climate change?

Answer:
According to the U.S. EPA, “climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer).” Driven by emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, the Earth’s climate has been getting steadily warmer over the past years, especially since the Industrial Revolution. 

You can help slow the effects of climate change by reducing your ecological footprint, the measure of your consumption of natural resources, including carbon emissions. When possible, walk or ride a bike instead of driving your car. Reduce your energy consumption, including electricity, heating and air conditioning, and water. Recycle your plastics and papers and switch to reusable products instead of disposable ones. Overall, be mindful of how you use Earth’s limited resources.

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To: Sean Miller, Earth Day Network

What can kids/students do to fight climate change?

Answer:
Kids can fight climate change just like anyone else, and it may even be easier for them to adjust their lifestyle. Encourage kids to turn off the lights when they leave their rooms and to take quick showers to conserve water. Bicycling is great because it’s fun and healthy while avoiding fossil fuel consuming vehicles. A few other ideas are: buy organic food, use nontoxic art supplies (Art & Creative Materials Institute), and pack a waste-free lunch.

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To: Sean Miller, Earth Day Network

What can parents do with their kids to fight climate change?

Answer:
Parents and their children can fight climate change by encouraging healthy and sustainable choices in their homes. Set limits on the amount of time kids watch TV or spend on the computer and encourage electronic-free family time, such as going outside! Ride bikes with your kids to their school and other close destinations. Parents can discuss with their children the importance of energy conservation and ways they can help, like turning off the lights and not letting the water run. Teaching kids early on to practice sustainable methods such as taking reusable bags to the grocery store instills environmentally friendly habits that they carry for the rest of their lives.  For a full list of suggestions, check out this tip sheet.

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To: Sean Miller, Earth Day Network

What is a “green” school?

Answer:
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, a green school is a “school building or facility that creates a healthy environment that is conducive to learning while saving energy, resources and money.” Green schools emit few greenhouse gases and can significantly reduce energy costs for the building. Studies have found that green schools have much higher attendance rates and better student health than traditional schools. A few ways to green a school include switching to energy efficient light bulbs, planting a school garden, using daylight instead of electric bulbs, and reducing school bus and vehicle idling on school grounds.  For a detailed list, contact me at miller@earthday.net.

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To: Sean Miller, Earth Day Network

How can I green my school?

Answer:
There is no single answer to this question—almost every aspect of a school can be improved and made environmentally friendly. Schools can reduce energy costs by using energy efficient light bulbs or simply by using natural daylight. They can also use renewable energy such as solar or wind power. Healthy cleaning supplies improve student and staff health, as does removing chemical pesticides and using more environmentally friendly brands. Planting trees and bushes around the grounds or on the school roof increases the amount of carbon absorbed and provides shade to cool the buildings. Buses and other vehicles idling on school grounds cause buildup of fuel emissions in the air and potentially inside the school buildings, so make your parking lot an idle-free zone. For more ideas on how to green your school, visit this online lesson plan.

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To: Sean Miller, Earth Day Network

What can my classroom/school do for Earth Day?

Answer:
Earth Day is celebrated internationally on April 22. On Earth Day, your school can plant trees and native plants on the grounds or start a school garden that can grow vegetables for your cafeteria. You can hold an Earth fair outside with games and activities that are fun, educational, and environmentally friendly. Be sure to advertise your Earth Day events well in advance. You don’t even have to wait until April 22—teach environmental education lessons in the classrooms before Earth Day, and hold a competition to see which classroom can collect the most recyclables. Announce the winners at the Earth Day events and give them an eco-friendly prize. For more Earth Day activities and ideas, visit our Earth Day website at http://www.earthday.net.

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To: Sean Miller, Earth Day Network

What can my classroom/school do to fight climate change?

Answer:
Just like your home, school buildings use a lot of energy to power electricity, water, and heating and cooling systems. One can make posters (like Envision 2050!) to hang around the school encouraging students to turn off lights, computers and other electronics when not in use.  Assign an “energy monitor” for each classroom who makes sure that electronics are switched off at the end of the day. Your school can also support sustainable agriculture by purchasing local food for the cafeteria or planting your own garden on school grounds. Have the school bus parking lot a “no idling zone” to prevent wasteful fuel emissions (more info here). Schools have many opportunities to release greenhouse gases, but they also have many opportunities to reduce or eliminate these emissions as well.

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To: Sean Miller, Earth Day Network

I am a teacher, where are some resources to teach about this subject?

Answer:
Many environmental organizations offer lesson plans on environmental education topics ranging from climate change and energy to life science and biodiversity. Each year, the National Environmental Education Foundation sponsors National Environmental Education Week (Earth Day Network is a national partner). This is a week of environmental education both inside and outside the classroom. For more information about EE Week, visit their website. Earth Day also provides a large number of environmental lesson plans and ideas, online here.

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To: Sean Miller, Earth Day Network

Why don’t we have national standards for environmental education like we do for math and science?

Answer:
When the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was implemented in 2001, it set federal education standards for the first time in American history. Unfortunately, these standards only include math, English, traditional science subjects, and civics. Less traditional subjects such as some social sciences, physical and health education, fine arts, foreign languages and environmental education have no “official” federal standards and are often reduced or cut out of school curricula to make room for standardized test instruction. In 2007, an amendment was proposed that would include integration of environmental education and teacher training into NCLB. Congress isn’t done yet with the 2007 reauthorization of NCLB containing this amendment, so to learn how you can help, visit the No Child Left Inside Campaign’s website here.

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To: Sean Miller, Earth Day Network

How do we fundraise for change, especially in a sustainable manner?

Answer:
Although school greening projects pay off in the long run, they are initially expensive. Schools on tight budgets may need financial help through fundraising. Traditional fundraising by selling wrapping paper or magazines often contributes to several environmental problems. These products use a lot of paper and usually aren’t recycled. Selling candy bars and other junk food not only encourages unhealthy diets, but in many cases supports unsustainable farming practices where the food is produced.

When you fundraise, choose sustainable alternatives. You can sell fair trade items such as coffee or chocolate and ensure that part of the revenue will go directly to the farmers and producers. You can also hold a book drive to collect used books from students and families. Reselling these books brings in direct profit for your cause and encourages reading among students. When fundraising, be sure to consider the environmental and economic impacts of the products you sell.  For more ideas, check out this list of suggestions.  

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To: Sean Miller, Earth Day Network
From: Gregory Bryan 

What major changes do we need to make as earthlings to really slow down or stop global warming? 

Answer:
We "earthlings" have already put quite a lot of carbon and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In fact, humans have been emitting widespread pollution since the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s. At this point, cutting carbon emissions tomorrow to zero would not stop the process of global warming.

But there is hope! If each person works to reduce their individual carbon footprint, the measure of their own environmental impact, we can slow climate change. We should make sustainable and environmentally conscious choices regarding everything from what we eat, how we travel, what we buy, and where we buy it from. Simple changes such as riding a bike to school or work and using daylight to light a room (instead of electricity) can truly add up. Also, scientists such as NASA's James Hansen believe we can level off the warming and avoid much of the "extreme" possibilities of climate change. Therefore, We all need to work together to preserve our planet and its resources by fighting global warming any way we can.

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To: Eric Corey Freed, organicARCHITECT
From: Cary North 

What are the most exciting things going on right now with green building technology?  

Answer:
Cary
This is a wondrous time to be alive. I have compiled a short list of the things I am most excited about:

1. Contour Crafting
Robots building homes the way they build cars

2. Biocomposite Materials
Plastics made from corn, not oil:
http://www.natureworksllc.com/corporate/nw_pack_home.asp
Part of a Cradle to Cradle concept.

3. Agricultural Waste Streams into Materials
Cabinets, doors and panels made of wheat, straw and seed shells:
www.environbiocomposites.com
www.citilogs.com
www.dow-bioproducts.com
www.kireiusa.com
www.meadowoodindustries.com
www.biobased.net

4. Prefab Construction Methods
Prefab is hot right now, and most of these companies are also green. Each has gotten individual press, but nothing on all of them as a trend.
http://www.fabprefab.com/
http://www.cleverhomes.net
http://www.glidehouse.com
http://www.livinghomes.us

5. Building Integrated Photovoltaics
http://www.elero-linear.de/

6. Photovoltaic Solar Concentrators
http://www.energyinnovations.com/sunflower250.html
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.07/solar.html
http://www.stirlingenergy.com

7. Active System Buildings:
internet controlled weather stations set sprinklers, window shades and fresh air intake
http://hydropoint.com/

8. Schools are using Relocatable Classroom buildings.
I just find this a strange trend. It seems that schools can't even afford real buildings anymore.

9. Landfill Mining:
Turns out that a ton of dead computers has more gold in it than 17 tons of ore. As a result, "landfill mining" may start becoming a common practice. I can imagine it being practical for other things besides gold too.
You can see why the future holds some incredible possibilities.

Eric Corey Freed
Principal, organicARCHITECT
Author, "Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies"  

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To: Conrad Savy, Conservation International
From: Matthew Miller, Dumas Jr. High - grade: 8th

What will the future look like for a small town in Arkansas called Dumas?

Answer:
Dear Matthew, 
I’ve never been to Dumas, Arkansas so I don’t know exactly what kinds of environmental problems you might be facing there. However I do know that the future of most places where people live depend on what those communities decide they want. What kind of community do you have now and what do you want it to be? Can people walk, bike or take public transport to shop, go to school or work? Does your community protect open space and habitat for native plants and animals? Do people take care of streams and lakes? Do people care about the health of their environment and are they willing to take responsibility for it? 

You can be a part of the future of your town. Start by finding out more about your ecological address. To get to know your ecological address, look at a maps or satellite images (Google Earth is a great place to start) of your town and figure out where the natural habitats like forests, grasslands or streams are. Then get outside and see them! Take a walk through the places you live and the surrounding natural areas. What cool things live there? What problems exist? Here are just a few questions to get you started on the environmental side of things: 

• What species share your backyard or the parks near your home? Are any threatened? Are any endemic (found only there and nowhere else)? Why? What is being done to protect them?
• What’s the state of your watershed (When water runs down your street and into a storm drain, where does it end up? Where does your drinking water come from? How clean are the streams and lakes near your town?)
• Where does your energy come from? How much energy do you use at home or at school?

 
 Get together with your family, friends, or teachers to find out more about the creatures and plants that make up your environment (get a field guide). If there are problems in the environment where you live, choose one you can help solve. Talk with environmental experts from local government or citizen groups to learn more. Then make a plan and starting creating the future you want for Dumas. 

Good luck. 
Conrad 

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To: Conrad Savy, Conservation International
From: Kelsey Poole, American University - Sophomore 

What is CI doing to promote conservation of less charismatic species such as amphibians and reptiles?

Answer:
Dear Kelsey, 
Thanks for your question. CI thinks that all species are important, not just the fuzzy ones. “Charismatic” is subjective of course – a lot of us at CI happen to really like weirder creatures like the Lake Titicaca frog because of its weird looks and amazing habits! Or the newly discovered giant elephant shrew which is a cousin to elephants, aardvarks and manatees. There are a whole bunch of creatures and plants out there that contribute to the earth’s biodiversity and which need our help. 

Here are a few of the ways we protect species: 

1. Through the Center for Applied Biodiversity Science and our partnerships with research institutions around the world, CI works to learn more about threatened species – where they live, how they are doing, what threats they face. One key resource we use is the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species – a giant database that is collects this information on all the species of the world. So far they have information on all the world’s amphibians. We are working with partners to get information on all the world’s mammals (over 5,400 species) and to understand the status of nearly 20,000 marine species from corals to sea grasses to sharks. We use this data to choose where we will focus our attention and resources first and to convince others to join us. One of our partnership initiatives is called the Alliance for Zero Extinction, which maps the places on Earth that need to be protected immediately in order to keep the most highly threatened species on the Red List, many found in only one or two sites on the entire planet, from going extinct. Most of the 595 AZE species we currently work on are animals and plants no one has ever heard of from places very few have ever been.
    
2. The major reason species (cute and otherwise) are in trouble is habitat loss – over 80% of species are in trouble because they have lost the places they live. CI works with governments, communities and businesses to create and manage protected areas that help whole communities of species survive in the wild where they belong. We also work with landowners to protect habitat on farms, ranches and other privately owned land.
    
3. We use the power of communications to draw attention to the plight of threatened species, help people learn and develop positive attitudes towards ALL life on Earth. That means everything from toads to tigers. While it’s true that many campaigns use charismatic species that people naturally love, we’ve found that you can generate interest and excitement about the weird ones as well. We recently launched a Leap Year campaign on the plight of amphibians and have done other local campaigns on species such as the Armadillo lizard and the Clanwilliam Ceder tree in South Africa (my home country).
    
4. Many species, such as turtles and pangolins from Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains are threatened due to wildlife trade. CI’s Wildlife Trade Program works to curb both demand and supply of threatened wildlife through research, campaigns, local community agreements and enforcement.

 Cheers,
 Conrad

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