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January 2024

Volume: 34 Issue: 3

ABCs of Smart Recycling

X is for X-ray

Did you know old-style X-ray films need special handling to dispose of safely?

But the good news is--x-rays are highly recyclable.

Find out the why and the how on our blog post:

X is for X-ray.

Teacher Open House

Tuesday, Jan. 30 3:30-6pm

SCARCE is offering a special Open House just for teachers this month. Learn about our traveling field trips, educational training days, and all the things SCARCE does to support teachers.

We love teachers, so of course, there will be snacks and prizes!

For details and to sign-up, visit our Open House event page..

Sustainable Design Challenge 2024

Tuesday, April 16

Registration begins February 1

It's time to accept the challenge--the Sustainable Design Challenge! All high school students from DuPage are invited to participate.

The challenge promotes environmental and stormwater education within science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) curricula in DuPage County high schools.

Students create models that reduce the carbon footprint of a building while conserving resources, reducing pollution, and managing stormwater both within their building and on surrounding property.

Check out last year's winners for ideas.

Or visit our website for details.

Teacher Institute Day with SCARCE

Friday, March 1

Looking for STEAM inspiration? SCARCE is offering two versions of our "Attainable Sustainable" field trips. Visits will include several local, "green" facilities such as the Elmhurst Quarry, the DuPage Water Commission, the Downers Grove Sanitary District Wastewater Treatment Center, and the DuPage County Government Complex. Buses will be provided, but space is limited. SIgn up soon!

Email for details: Info@scarce.org.

This Year, Start *Small*

Try Micro-Activism

There is so much that needs doing when it comes to caring for our environment. It can feel overwhelming.

Micro-activism can make that first small step simpler. Micro-activism means making small changes which create habits, that lead to sustainable improvements. Because little things can make a difference.

Need ideas? Check out our blog or try the book by Omkari Williams, Micro Activism: How You Can Make a Difference in the World without a Bullhorn.

Eco-Extraordinaire Schools

Currier Elementary, in West Chicago had a great time making art by reusing materials. Way to be creative!

Stevenson Elementary school in Lombard has a Conservation Club that's created a new recycling area for students. Awesome work!

Cloverdale Elementary, in Carol Stream, had a Water Education Day last December. SCARCE brought our watershed model to show students. It made a real splash!

Upcoming Eco-Events: April 26 is Arbor Day.

Plan Ahead to Plant a Tree for the Planet!

Holiday Recycling

Prescription Bottle Recycling

Did you know that pill bottles can be hard to come by in some places? Shortages in the US and around the world make it hard for pharmacists to fill prescriptions.

That's why SCARCE collects clean empty brown pill containers for reuse! (Containers must be washed and free of labels and glue.)

Thanks to our volunteer, SueAnn, 90 pounds of prescription bottles were collected, packed, and transported for reuse last month.

Did you know SCARCE accepts broken and burned out string lights all year round?

Collections are also happening all over DuPage County including local schools. To find out more about how you or your school could get involved in a collection, visit our website.