How has replacing three trees with a greenhouse affected our carbon footprint and runoff?

June 11, 2018

The school received a donation to install a greenhouse on campus but students and staff were concerned about the impact of the new structure so 5th and 6th grade students have been learning about runoff water, reducing carbon emissions, transportation of greenhouse materials, and so on. As time went on, this project took on a life of its own as more students became intrigued about wider environmental issues and wanted to see how those issues directly affect their school community. This ongoing project was broken into improving the existing recycling and composting programs, finding ways to manage food waste, and runoff.

Intended impact of project

Increased environmental & sustainability literacy

Impact of project

Improved environmental & sustainability literacy

More impact of project

The original intention of the project was to educate students and figure out the impact of the new structure and its effects on runoff water and how to mitigate carbon deficits. However as time went on, this project took on its own shape and new goals that helped increase overall student awareness on the importance of preserving and protecting the environment, including but not limited to, improving the school’s recycling and composting programs, managing food waste, and increasing student advocacy in these efforts.