Eco Happenings this week

source image courtesy of A Well Traveled Woman

MONDAY 

• Check out ClimateStore's Independence Day Sale

TUESDAY

• Zero Net Energy Buildings: Understanding Costs, Accessing Resources

WEDNESDAY

• Know the basics of living green.

THURSDAY

• Are you lucky enough to have the day off? Visit Singing Beach!

FRIDAY

• 4th of July!!!!

SATURDAY

• Be an eco-savvy party guest!

SUNDAY

• Enjoy the end of the long weekend by using these 7 easy and green ways to reduce stress.

Spotlight: Boston Green Academy

I recently learned about Boston Green Academy while at the Future of Nature Lecture Series hosted by the Nature Conservancy. The school had an information table setup during the cocktail hour, and at one of the events during the series, the speakers were introduced by BGA students. They were enthusiastic participants at the event and learning about their high school was inspiring. Boston Green Academy is a public Boston charter school with a mission to promote sustainability and use it as concept for learning throughout all subjects.
So how, specifically, do students learn about environmental sustainability?

• 9th Grade > Healthy Trees, Healthy Boston: Cross-curricular unit focusing on green space in Boston (Partners: Nature Conservancy and Southie Trees)
• 10th Grade > Environmental Justice: Cross-curricular unit focusing on air quality and food justice in Boston (Partner: ACE)
• 11th Grade > Research paper and thesis defense on social responsibility
• 12th Grade > Capstone Community Action Project and Sustainability Internships (Partner: ACE)

In addition to providing these unique opportunities, the BGA students are doing very well, and the school is expected to see a 90% graduation rate this year. Congrats, kids! I look forward to seeing these graduates take a leadership role in making Boston the most sustainable city in the country!

daily summer essentials

No matter where you go this summer, there are a few essentials that are important to have on hand to ensure a sustainable, healthy summer. Sunglasses are a give-in, but wearing an ethical pair (made from environmentally-friendly materials or are part of a one-for-one program) will make you feel good every time you put them on. And when you stop to get an iced coffee, its great to prevent waste by bringing your own tumbler - and reusable shopping bag if you want to pick up some other treats while you're out. Finally, you've heard it before, but don't leave the house without sunscreen! Pickup a chemical free tube and slather it on throughout the day.

Eco Events Happening this Week

source image courtesy of fanpop

MONDAY

• Kick off the week by greening your shower routine

TUESDAY

• Boston Businesses Acting on Rising Seas

WEDNESDAY

• Net Impact Speed Networking
• Charlestown Climate Action Meeting

THURSDAY

• BostonCAN Action Committee Meeting
• BostonBARS Launch: Climate Adaption Strategies for Small Businesses

FRIDAY

• Walk/Ride Day

SATURDAY

• Household Hazardous Waste Dropoff

SUNDAY

• Brush up on the 8 ways to be green at a Red Sox game

GoodGuide Brings Conscious Consumerism to Your Fingertips

GoodGuide is one of the handiest, easy-to-use apps for people that want to make smarter, greener, more ethical purchasing decisions. The iphone app has a barcode scanner so you can learn about the social and environmental impacts of a brand right while you are shopping. GoodGuide provides a great resource so consumers don't fall victim to greenwashing. The only problem is that it makes running errands take a bit more time...but all for a good cause!

Earthspiration

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10 Tips for a Greener Roadtrip

source image courtesy of tumblr

1. Travel by train or bus instead if you have the option.

2. Purchase carbon offsets for your trip.

3. Make sure your tires are properly inflated.

4. Drive the speed limit - driving faster uses more gas.

5. Pack organic, vegetarian munchies for the road.

6. Go to rest stops instead of getting off the highway, sometimes the gas stations and food places are much further from the exit than expected. 

7. Use the AC sparingly. Air conditioning uses gas as well. 

8. Don't idle.

9. If you have the option, drive an electric or hybrid vehicle.

10. Carpool.