April 25, 2007 1

The Sustainable Oregon Schools

InitiativeHealthy Schools – Healthy Environments

Lori Porter StoleZero Waste Alliance

April 25, 2007 2

Sustainability means-

“To keep something

going forever...”

Environment + Economy + Society

April 25, 2007 3

Schools have a big impact!

• Oregon’s K-12 school infrastructure supports over 600,000 students and employees.

That’s bigger than the City of Portland!

• Buy and use lots of things.

• Operate lots of buildings and vehicles.

Which can all increase Global Warming!

• Producing tomorrow’s workforce and leaders.

April 25, 2007 4

The Sustainable Oregon Schools Initiative

“SOSI”

• Permanent, voluntary program, being created now

• Uses comprehensive approach to sustainability

• Can benefit all schools in the state, and beyond

• Managed by the Zero Waste Alliance

• Guided by a Steering Committee

Healthy Schools, Healthy Environments

April 25, 2007 5

SOSI Strives to

Help Oregon’s interested K-12 schools and districts integrate sustainability into their

operations, teaching and culture.

Working to:• Increase stakeholder knowledge about sustainability

• Be a focal point for tools and resources to support the effort

• Form partnerships

April 25, 2007 6

Current Topic Areas

Facilities and Operations: Building, Landscaping, Indoor Environment and Toxics, Energy, Water, Material Resources

Systems and Services: Transportation, Food, Purchasing, Managing Sustainability

Community & Culture: Community Involvement, Cultural Proficiency

Education: Sustainability Education for Students and Staff

April 25, 2007 7

Who are the stakeholders?

All of us!• School districts, schools, teachers• Government agencies and non-profits

involved with the issues.• Parents and students• Businesses

April 25, 2007 8

What can YOU do?

• Subscribe to The Apple, SOSI’s monthly electronic newsletter.

• Start the conversation about sustainability within your local school district.

• Consider participating on a SOSI topic team.

• Coming soon: SOSI Resource website. Use it! www.sustainableschools.org

• Help it happen; Become a SOSI sponsor

April 25, 2007 9

Sustainable Schools are important for all of us!

• Sustainability supports academic performance

• The large impact of schools needs to be a positive one.

• Our kids are the future!