Last fall, EarthGen hosted a teacher training that explored the connections between climate change and food waste. Due to its success, EarthGen ran two additional cohorts for eastern and western Washington educators this spring.
Sami Springs LeCain from Clark County Green Schools, shared data and stories of school communities that have taken proactive measures to reduce campus food waste
Educators learned from Kat Huybers, a climate scientist from the University of Washington. Kat guided participants through analyzing recent climate science data, specifically focusing on the most significant climate change indicators in Western Washington. This training gave teachers the tools to interpret and share this data with their students.
In addition to learning from Kat, teachers benefited from insights shared by local experts such as Sami Springs LeCain from Clark County Green Schools. Sami shared data and stories of school communities that have taken proactive measures to reduce campus food waste, like La Center Public Schools who drastically reduced the amount of food being thrown away across the district. This encouraged teachers to explore innovative solutions and discuss how to broach sensitive subjects within their communities.
One educator shared, “I am feeling braver about approaching a sensitive subject, like climate change, in my community.” Another teacher found ways to integrate her newfound knowledge into her Japanese class. Her students researched climate change, air quality, waste management, and fishing industry issues in Japan. They presented their findings as reporters for a Japanese news outlet and later brainstormed potential solutions to these environmental challenges.
This training equipped educators to share climate science data, explore innovative solutions, and discuss sensitive topics with their students. EarthGen provided educators with information and tools to lead discussions and activities confidently. At the end of the training, an educator summarized the urgency, sharing, “I feel a pressing need to convey to my students and staff that changes at our school are necessary!”
For further information on training opportunities, visit the EarthGen website (www.earthgenwa.org).
