“Environmental Literacy Project for Vermont”
This project is being hosted by Vermont’s State -Wide Environmental Education Program Alliance (SWEEP) and the Four Winds Nature Institute.
Environmental Literacy Definitions
The Goal of environmental education is to create an environmentally literate citizenry.
The North American Association of environmental educators (NAAEE) organizes this goal under four themes that are paraphrased as follows:
An understanding of the earth as a physical system and a living environment, as well as humans and their societies within the landscape
A familiarity with some basic modes of enquiry, creative thinking, and an ability to interpret and synthesize information.
An understanding of the ideals, principles, and practices of citizenship in order to participate in resolving issues
Motivation and empowerment to act, understanding that what people do as individuals and groups can make a difference.
I have participated in one of 14 meetings covering the state this past winter. This gave me an opportunity to be a part of a state wide conversation; participants shared successful environmental efforts from businesses and organizations which will be used to identify existing needs and opportunities to increase environmental literacy in Vermont
One of the project’s goals is to gather information about model environmental initiatives that are presently in progress in Vermont. The process also will result in the creation of a roadmap to environmental literacy for Vermont and will help inform a preK-12 plan that meets the requirements of the Federal legislation, no child left behind inside act (NCLI) of 2009.
The roadmap will also highlight unique grassroots projects that can easily be replicated in other businesses or communities
By creating a community based, comprehensive and strategic environmental literacy action plan beyond the K-12 education system to include all ages and sectors of the community. Vermont will lead the way nationally and serve as a model for the other states.
A conference is planned to present progress on this project at the New England Environmental Education Association (NEEEA) conference Oct 22nd 2010 at the Lake Morey Resort, in Fairlee VT
For further information go to www.environmentalliteracyvt.org
Other Initiatives that may be of interest are :
According to Forbes Magazine the Greenest and most Environmentally-Friendly States in America are as follows.
I’m only highlighting the New England Region statistics
1. Vermont
6. Connecticut
8. Rhode Island
Highest recycling Rates
1.Minnesota
4. Maine
7. Massachusetts
9. Vermont
Lowest Air Pollution Rates.
1.Delaware
3. Maine
6. Rhode Island
8. Vermont
The most energy-efficient States in the US as reported by the American council for an Energy-Efficient Economy are:
1. California
3. Connecticut
4. Vermont
7. Massachusetts
Many environmental pilot projects are underway within the state. For those interested just Google and look for your pet project area.
The Farm to school program is one of my favorites , getting local fresh produce into our local schools for snacks and into the lunch program, also composting the waste food.
The objective being to serve healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health and nutrition education opportunities and supporting local and regional farms.
Presently very popular is supporting the VT localvore movement “purchasing and eating local grown foods”.
How does one not finish without telling you about this absolute fabulous idea
Speed Dating moves to the Farm Fields -- Free press article Sunday August 1st 2010
At Tunbridge Hill Farm a singles event was hosted by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont
In this Vermont born spin on speed dating ,participants would meet in pairs for timed periods of seven minutes before moving on to the next pairing. These brief encounters across a row of Leeks or lettuce, which they asked to weed while chatting. They are looking for more farms across the state to host similar events.
The next Weed Dating event was Saturday, October 16 at Shelburne Orchards in Shelburne (Chittenden County).
www.nofavt.org
What is happening at “The University of Vermont” ( UVM) is a leader within the state in providing environmental education and practice.
The University supports nearly 300 buildings on the 425 acre campus.
Environment is a major focus of the University 10% of the students major in environmental related areas, including natural resources, sustainable agriculture, environmental engineering, environmental science and environmental studies.
Efforts to reduce energy use and carbon emissions span building efficiency, education, renewable energy projects and transportation.
One such project: working with the EPA and the city of Burlington UVM has instituted the “Sleep is Good” for computers and placed mouse pads in all the computer labs with info on the program.
Another being : All eight campus bus shuttles run on bio- diesel emitting 20% less carbon dioxide and almost 100% less sulfur dioxide.
The University is now working towards co-generation of heat, chilled water, and electricity for new buildings on campus: also implementing a green building policy and LEED as a standard.
The Agency of Human Services in Vermont . Vermont Health Department has the
“Envision program”. Promoting Healthy school environments
Best practices and indoor air pollution problems
And publications for education and best practice information.
Environmental Chair NER (air). Caroline Frey. Vermont
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