Dream Journal

Volume 9 | Issue 1

Green Schools Challenge

We're proud of all of our pre K-12 schools that have completed the first half of the Green Schools Challenge! Schools are completing STEAM projects that align under sustainability topics including Energy Conservation, Water Quality, Waste Management, Alternative Transportation, Green Living and Food Security.

Don't forget that Dream in Green provides small grants to support green initiatives at their schools. Thinking about building a vegetable garden, adding rain barrels or installing bike racks? Apply for a Green Leadership Grant for funding!

If you missed our Mid-Year Meeting, you can catch up on all program updates and additional opportunities here.

Support Dream in Green

City of Miami Mayor's Challenge

The City of Miami and Ocean Conservancy have partnered with DIG to launch a Mayor's Challenge. This challenge will encourage schools within the City of Miami to participate in ocean conservation education.

The Mayor's Challenge invites schools to propose a project to promote water conservation and present their ideas through a 3 minute public service announcement (PSA) video. Top videos will receive up to $1,000 grants for implementation. Click here to learn more.

DIG Team - Environmental Leader

Mareike Van Wie joins the DIG team as a Public Ally and works as the special programs coordinator collecting baseline information to help assess new aspects of the Green Schools Challenge and assist in the expansion of community outreach.

Mareike is a Masters student studying Digital Humanities at the University of Groningen with a passion for social justice and data ethics believing particularly in a bottom- up approach for long term change. Having been involved with Fridays for the Futures throughout university, working with a focus on climate justice became a goal for her future. With DIG she found an opportunity to pursue all these interests. Through this experience, she hopes to learn more about the non-profit sector and communication skills behind outreach.

Interested in composting but not sure where to start?

As many of us are spending more time at home the growing issue of household trash is becoming more apparent. Recycling is one way to minimize household waste in a more sustainable way, but what about food waste? Compost is an organic mixture that is mainly made of food scraps that can be used for fertilizing plants and gardens.

Learn more about the basics of composting and how you can start in your home here.

Is your school being recognized for its green initiatives?

The Green School Designation program recognizes schools that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources. Green schools not only Green Schools create a healthier environment for students, employees and communities but the reduction of water and energy use and reducing waste help lower operating costs.

To learn more about applying your school visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's page or contact Dream in Green staff for guidance.

Dream in Green | www.dreamingreen.org