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

{View as Webpage

August 2023

Volume: 33 Issue: 9

SCARCE Celebrates 33 Years!

Help us celebrate our accomplishments and support even more teachers, students, and eco-warriors in coming decades.


Save the date:

Thursday, September 21

4:00-6:30pm


Get your ticket and find all of the details here.

Letter S - Stands for Sneaky Stuff

ABC's of Smart Recycling

Learn what to watch for when it comes to the sneaky, sometimes even dangerous, things that slip into your recycling bin or your trash.


Read our blog post: S is for Sneaky Stuff.

Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources Offers Free Materials to Teachers

Did you know the INDR provides posters, activity books, identification guides and many other printed resources to teachers for free?


Check out the website for details on grade appropriate materials for your students!


INDR Publication List Start Page

Moss - A Natural Climate Change Hero


European Union company Green City Solutions, has developed a moss filter stands that clean and cool the air. The filters are already up and running across the UK and Europe.


Read more in this recent article in Forbes.

Make SCARCE Your First Stop

To Get Your Classroom Ready!

From crayons and pens to science equipment and colorful posters, SCARCE's Reuse Center will help you prep a classroom, stock a reading nook, and take care of your students for a small donation. ($5 per box of materials.)


Share this email with the new teachers on your team!


All types of educators welcome--including nonprofit organizations and after school activity leaders. Stop by soon to get your year off to a GREAT start!

STEM-A-PALOOZA for Science Success


Kids from all over stopped by to participate in SCARCE's hands-on activities at the DuPage County Fair in July. Look how much fun we had playing and learning at the same time!


Contact [email protected] to discover programs and field trips that will engage your students.

Watch out! Pumpkin SMASH

is Just Around the corner

Don't be scared!


Pumpkin SMASH is a fun, active way to teach students and the community about the value of composting.


Contact SCARCE for information about how to start a SMASH at your school and help turn old pumpkins into eco-smart kids!


Email us at [email protected]

Trex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge

Every year, hundreds of schools across the nation compete to recycle the most plastic film. Trex announces winners on Earth Day and donates a composite bench to the winning school.


  • The challenge begins on America Recycles Day, November 15, and lasts until April 15
  • Trex will provide your school with promotional materials and three recycling bins
  • A volunteer must weigh and report the collected materials every month before delivering them to participating drop-off retailer locations

Learn more here and let SCARCE know if your school is participating in the challenge!

Upcoming Eco-Events

August 1-31

Forest Preserve District Native Tree & Shrub Sale

Tuesday, Aug 15

Solar Power Hour at SCARCE 6:30pm

Thursday, Aug 31

Solar Power Hour at The Conservation Foundation 6:00-7:30pm

Thursday, Sep 21

SCARCE Birthday Party 4:00-6:30pm

September 25-29

Stormwater Awareness Week

Saturday Recycling Events

September 9

Roselle Recycles 8:30am-noon

September 9

Wheaton Monthly Recycling 9am-noon

September 23

Westmont Electronics & More Recycling 8am-noon

September 23

Hanover Park Recycles 9am-noon

September 30

Winfield Township (West Chicago) Recycling Extravaganza 9am-noon

See a complete list of recycling events here

Volunteer Opportunities for Eco-Club and NHS students!


Want to help your students get volunteer hours or gain experience in a hands-on business environment? Tell them about SCARCE!


We love to have students getting involved with projects and joining us on Saturdays for recycling events. They can contact [email protected] or sign up to volunteer here.

Register to Volunteer

Reuse Center Hours

Mon-Fri: 9am-4:30pm

Saturdays 9am-12pm


CLOSED LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Saturday, Sep 2 - Monday, Sep 4

Helpful Links

Be a part of this initiative!
School gardening tips, grants, and more.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Citizen Reporter App

Report stormwater issues online.



Ripples | SCARCE | 630.545.9710 | [email protected] | www.scarce.org
STAY CONNECTED
Facebook  Twitter  Youtube  Instagram  
This newsletter was created by SCARCE and funded in part by
the DuPage County Board, Deborah Conroy, Chair,
the DuPage County Environmental Committee, Sheila Rutledge, Chair,
and the DuPage County Stormwater Committee, James Zay, Chair.

SCARCE Team

Kay McKeen, Founder & Director

Rachel Carlson, Heather Goudreau, Bev Jaszczurowski, Jean Kent,

Emily King, Rose Naseef, Caroline Prichard, 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.