Ripples: Sept 23

Your resource for environmental education updates, workshops, and more.

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September 2023

Volume: 33 Issue: 10

SCARCE is 33 - Come Celebrate with Us!

We've enjoyed helping educators for the past 33 years. Help us continue our work and celebrate all that we've done together at our Birthday Party. We've planned cake, drinks, music and fun. Can't wait to see you there!

Thursday, September 21, 4-7 pm

Let's ensure a brighter future for our students and our planet!

Get your ticket to our Birthday Party

T is for Tires

ABC's of Smart Recycling

In Illinois, businesses that sell tires will collect your used tires. But what happens next?

There is a lot to know about how tires impact the environment.

Learn more about tire recyling.

Field Trip Planning? SCARCE is the Local Destination for Eco-Science

Want to give your students a look at science in action? How about a chance to do some hands-on eco-activities?

SCARCE is a resource for local environmental information and activities for groups of all ages and grades.

Email us at info@scarce.org to learn about exciting field trips to SCARCE.

Energy Bike

Watershed model activity

Bread tag collection project

Seed Collecting at Local Libraries

Did you know that many local libraries have created seed exchange collections?

Fall is the time to collect and save seeds. Why not invite your students to save seeds for a local library? In the spring, library patrons can "check out" seeds for their gardens.

See which libraries are currently hosting seed exchanges.

ICAW Compost Poster Contest

Opens September 1

The annual International Compost Awareness Week poster contest has chosen this year's theme. The 2024 Contest theme is:

COMPOST...Nature's Climate Champion.

The contest is open to anyone from anywhere in the world who is 14 or older. There is also a video contest for younger students ages 10-13.

Learn more about the contest and how to enter here.

Composting Curious?

Join our Workshop

Saturday, September 16 at 10am

Composting is an amazing process for regenerating soil, building microbial activity, and protecting local ground water. Learn the why, and the how, of starting a compost pile at your home or school.

Learn more and sign-up for Composting 101.

New Recycling Opportunities at Staples

In addition to electronics and tech, Staples is now accepting batteries, writing instruments, phone/tablet cases, and more.

Visit the Staples website for details on items accepted and locations.

Upcoming Eco-Events

Sep 1-16

Gle n Ellyn Native Tree & Shru b Sale Pick up in Glen Ellyn

Sat, Sep 16

Composting 101 at SCARCE 10am

Sat, Sep 23

Seed Gathering Season Starts

Sun, Sep 24

World Rivers Day

Sat, Sep 30

Illinois Solar Tour - Hybrid format

Warrenville Fall Trail Clean-up 9am

Sat, Oct 14

OAKtoberfest 1-4pm Maryknoll Park, Glen Ellyn

October 4

Get kids moving and keep them safe on the roads. Help plan a Walk, Bike or Roll to School Day for your school and build a healthier community for everyone.

Organize an event at your school

Are You Planning to SMASH? Pumpkin Smash 2023 is On!

Pumpkin Smash is more than an environmental education event. It's more than a resource rescue event. It's a good time!

Schools all over Illinois are becoming Pumpkin Smash sites and collecting pumpkins for composting. In addition to conserving resources, the event can support science and math instruction.

Is your school hosting a collection? Do your students want to volunteer on November 4?

Find out more about Pumpkin Smash or

email us at info@scarce.org

Saturday Recycling Events

September 9

Roselle Recycles 8:30am-12pm

Wheaton Monthly Recycling 9am-12pm

September 16

Lisle Quarterly Electronics and Cloth Recyc ling 8am-12pm

City of Aurora Document Shredding Event 8am-12pm

September 23

Westmont Electronics & More 8am-12pm

Hanover Park Recycles 9am-12pm

September 30

Bloomingdale Township Electronics Recycling 8am-12pm

Winfield Township (West Chicago) Recycling Extravaganza 9am-12pm

View full list of recycling events

Volunteer Opportunities for Students

High school students looking for service hours can help at Saturday recycling events. Or, they can volunteer at our facility in Addison when they have days off on weekdays.

Also, consider bringing a group of students to SCARCE for a Learn & Lend a Hand program. Before you get to work on an environmental project, you'll get a tour to see how we reuse and recycle.

Contact Rose at rose@scarce.org for details.