February 2025

This edition of the Earth Matters newsletter is brought to you by the Pierce County Environmental Education Program. Learn more about us at PierceCountyWa.gov/EnviroEd.

 

Shaping the World We Want to Live In

We don’t wait for change. We help create it!


With over three decades of environmental education and community outreach programming, we strive to share effective ways to advance social and environmental change. 


With Valentine's Day approaching, we are thinking about our love for the earth! We love teaching and working to create a future we are proud to leave behind. Here are a few ways our Environmental Education team helps shape the world we want to live in:

What do you do and why?

Share your actions and we might feature your answer in a future social media post!

Share Your Action
 

New Youth Environmental Council Forms

Curtis High School student Jin Lee started the South Sound Youth Environmental Council with one intention: to get youth together with influential people to learn about and take action on environmental problems. 


On Jan. 9, students from around Pierce County met virtually to talk about what the council could look like. The group identified many topics ranging from fast fashion and consumerism to inflation and high cost of living as issues they want to tackle.


With Jin at the helm, this group plans to host events, advocate for various causes, and make their voice heard on issues important to them.


Do you know a Pierce County student that might be interested? Send them the group's member information form.

 

Inspire Action with Climate Change Conversations

While climate change affects all of us, it is often an uncomfortable topic of conversation with friends, family, and neighbors. And yet, talking about climate change is one of the most effective ways to inspire action.


Research shows that when people hear about the issue from someone they know and trust, it makes the problem more relatable and solutions feel achievable. So, by opening up conversations, you can actually help your community take meaningful action.


Getting started

These conversations don’t have to be heavy or confrontational.


  • Start small by sharing your own experiences—perhaps how extreme weather events have impacted your life or why you’ve chosen to reduce waste or save energy.


  • Listening is just as important as speaking. Understanding others’ concerns or perspectives can lead to collaborative action.


Whether it’s brainstorming ways to save energy at home, carpooling to reduce emissions, or joining a local climate action group, every small step contributes to a larger impact.


Talking about climate change also builds community and fosters hope. By connecting with those around us, we can move from individual efforts to collective action, which is where real change happens. Start the conversation today—you might be surprised how many people are ready to join you!


Need help getting started? Check out our "How to Have A 'Climate Conversation'" class mentioned below!

 

Free Earth Matters Series Offered in 2025

Join us in 2025 for our free Earth Matters Series (formerly Sustainable Solutions)! We're excited to help you gain the knowledge and tools to create a more livable community!


We are busy designing classes on topics such as climate action, composting, and recycling. Look for hybrid, in-person, and virtual opportunities in 2025.

"Taking Climate Action" series

In February, our "Taking Climate Action" series kicks off.

Climate Change in Pierce County

6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 27

Zoom

How to Have A "Climate Conversation"

6-7:30 p.m. March 20

Zoom

What's Your Climate Action? Earth Day Celebration and Tree Giveaway

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12

Meridian Habitat Park

Stay Informed

Visit PierceCountyWa.gov/EarthMattersSeries throughout the year to check for new class series and register.

 

Free Edible Gardens Workshop Series Returns

Explore the basics of successful vegetable gardening with free workshops by Pierce County and Harvest Pierce County educators.


In February, explore "Garden Planning for Summer" (Feb. 8) and "Seed Starting" (Feb. 22). Classes are offered through October in hybrid and in-person formats. View the schedule and register.

STEAM Education for Climate Literacy Series Underway

Teachers in Tacoma and Pierce County are invited to register for our STEAM Education for Climate Literacy workshop series.


Enjoy FREE clock hours, comprehensive lesson plans, and an engaging learning experience during the series, which runs through March.

 

Share Feedback on Sustainability 2030 Plan Update

Every two years, we seek input from our community as we review and update the Sustainability 2030 Plan.


The Sustainability 2030 Plan calls for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by the year 2030. We have the opportunity to create more vibrant and livable communities today and for generations to come as we work on solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


Achieving this goal requires us to listen to and work with community members to connect solutions with community priorities.


If you live, work, or play in Pierce County, we want your feedback on what's going well and what can be improved in Pierce County. Please provide your feedback by Feb. 28!

Share Your Feedback
 
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Read with us:


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Youth Engagement Opportunities:

 

We welcome your feedback on this newsletter! Share your thoughts.