The Broome County Division of Solid Waste has a series of educational programs available to schools for free. Programs are conducted through a contract with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE). For more information on educational programs, please call 607-584-5011 or visit: http://ccebroomecounty.com/youth/solid-waste-school-program
Landfill Tours: Tours can be scheduled Monday through Friday from 7am to 2:45pm. Tours are 45 to 60 minutes in length. The school must provide transportation. The tour is a riding tour; no one will depart the bus during the tour for safety reasons.
New York Recycles Day- Celebrated on November 15th each year. New York State's public and private school children and youth organizations are invited to showcase their artistic talent and their commitment to the environment by participating in their Annual New York Recycles! Poster Contest sponsored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the New York Recycles! Steering Committee. Fifteen (15) New York State winners receive the honor of having their artwork in a calendar which will be distributed throughout the state. More information can be found at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1896.html
Green School Challenge- The Green Schools challenge is sponsored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to recognize those schools that are working towards responsible solid waste management by developing waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting and/or buy recycled products and packaging programs. Schools are given special recognition and can be eligible for educational materials and awards totaling $500 will be distributed to the winning schools to support their recycling/composting initiatives. More information can be found at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/41746.html and https://www.greenschoolsalliance.org
The Go Green Initiative (GGI) is a National program. The GGI focuses on five basic principles that provide a comprehensive approach to environmental education on school campuses. They are designed to be aligned with existing curriculum so as not to detract from state mandated standards.
1. Generate less waste
2. Recycle everything that cannot be reused
3. Educate our community on eco-friendly options
4. Evaluate the environmental impact of actions
5. Nourish discussions and activities that integrate environmental education into existing curriculum
The program is flexible and does not require a school to implement all five principals to participate. To access their vast resources and join visit: http://gogreeninitiative.org
NY State Environmental Excellence Awards is a DEC awards program recognizing educational institutions, businesses, and government organizations which are implementing innovative sustainable projects to improve and protect the NYS environment. Candidate must demonstrate a measurable benefit to the environment, economy, or social community. The winter will be awarded at a ceremony and will be given the opportunity to present information and display materials on their project. To access more information and apply visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/public/945.html#Excellence
New York State Association of Reduction, Reuse and Recycling awards eligible New York State schools with a grant of up to $1000 from the. For a copy of the application please visit: http://www.nysar3.org/page/green-school-grant-program-16.html The 2020 grant cycle has been cancelled.
Project Learning Tree GreenWorks! Grants are offered to schools and youth organizations for environmental service & learning projects. Projects must incorporate service learning, exemplify student voice, involve a community partner, and have at least 50% matched funds. Applicants for the grant must have attended a Project Learning Tree training to quality. For more information visit: https://www.plt.org/resources/greenworks-grants/ The 2020 grant cycle has been cancelled.
