Your resource for environmental education updates, workshops, and more.
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October 2021
Volume: 32 Issue: 1
SCARCE is Open for Indigenous Peoples' Day!
Now that you're settled into the school year, use your time off to come shop in our book rescue for any classroom materials you still need. We are open 9am-4:30pm. $5 per box unless otherwise listed. Note: We are not accepting donations this day (Donations are never accepted on Mondays).
Looking to reduce your textile waste? Join SCARCE for our Textile Transformations Workshop this Saturday, October 2 from 9am-11:30am. This workshop is great for anyone, but particularly a Consumer Economics teacher who is interested in teaching sewing.

With the holidays coming up, you can learn how to make mittens and energy-saving dryer balls from old or shrunken sweaters. Another hit gift is to make a memory quilt from your child's old high school or college t-shirts. Patty Krein, a former teacher at SCARCE and Our Lady of Peace will be coming from Virginia to instruct on the memory quilts!

For one day only (Oct. 2, 2021), SCARCE will accept donated shoes (used or new) via this workshop in partnership with First United Methodist Church of West Chicago.
Are You an Art Teacher? Do you know one? Come to our Great Art Event! Calling all art teachers! SCARCE has resources for you! SCARCE will be hosting two Great Art Events, running October 13 from 4:30pm-6:30pm, or October 16 from 12:30-2:30pm. We will be setting aside art supplies for any artist to come check out, even if they are not a teacher. This is still a great opportunity to come if you are in search of art supplies or want to meet other artists and teachers while shopping for resources. The fee for teachers and not-for-profits will still be $5 per box unless item is otherwise marked. Register and hold your spot for just $5 via the links on our calendar.
The Pumpkin Smash is Approaching!
Reminder that the Pumpkin Smash is coming up November 6th!

If your school is organizing a site, make sure they are registered here so we can add you to our map!

Show your students this short video about the importance of composting food scraps, especially pumpkins!

If your students would like to volunteer and your school doesn't have a site, check for the one nearest you on our map and reach out to the organizer directly, or email us to coordinate. Sites will continue to be added in the next month.
Tell Us How Your Class is Making a Difference for Make a Difference Day
Since 1992, Make A Difference Day has inspired hundreds of thousands of volunteers to give back in their local communities. Join the movement!

Here's some ideas for Make a Difference Day:

Email us to share how your class is making a difference this year!
Did you know bats are pollinators? Or that they eat mosquitos?

Bat week will be celebrated between October 24 and October 31, 2021. This is an annual, international celebration of the role of bats in nature. Check out these fun resources to educate your students on bats.
Celebrate the Anniversary of the Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act was signed into law by President Nixon on October 18th, 1972. Check out the history here and share with your class!

A great way to celebrate as a class would be to start a storm drain medallion project near your school. Check out this post for how to start a project to educate your community about the importance of keeping our storm drains clear so we can keep our waterways clean!
Upcoming Eco-Events
10/02/2021
10/06/2021
10/11/2021
10/13/2021
10/16/2021
The Great Art Event - 4:30pm - 6:30pm
The Great Art Event - 12:30pm - 2:30pm
10/18/2021
10/23/2021
10/23/2021
10/24/2021 - 10/31/2021
Thank you to Montini Catholic High School for hosting a school supply drive for us!











Thank you to ComEd and HydroChemPSC for your donation of new school supplies!
Our Reuse Center couldn't function without these amazing individuals that dedicate their time each week to sorting, stocking, and organizing.

If you see them when you visit, give them a round of applause!
Mon-Fri: 9am-4:30pm
Saturdays 9am-12pm

Upcoming Special Dates
OPEN Monday, October 11 (Indigenous Peoples' Day) 9am-4:30pm to shop. No donations.
Helpful Links
Be a part of this initiative!
Support SCARCE while you shop!
Report stormwater issues online.
School gardening tips, grants, and more.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Recycling guide, trail system & more!
Ripples | SCARCE | 630.545.9710 | info@scarce.org | www.scarce.org
This newsletter was created by SCARCE and funded in part by the DuPage County Board, Daniel Cronin, Chairman,the DuPage County Environmental Committee, Sheila Rutledge, Chair, and the DuPage County Stormwater Committee, James Zay, Chair.
SCARCE Team
Kay McKeen, founder & director
Jan Breyne, Rachel Carlson, Jasmine Flores, Heather Goudreau, Bev Jaszczurowski,
Erin Kennedy, Jean Kent, Rose Naseef, Carina Ruscitti, Olivia Ryan & Julie Wachowski

Environmental education programs are operated by SCARCE
This newsletter is part of the Teacher Training Program funded by DuPage County.
Our Professional Development Provider Number: 190000000000000
The mention of a specific product or company is not an endorsement by DuPage County's Environmental Education Program.