LPS and UNL team up for Green Apple Day of Service

Each semester, the UNL ENVR 101 students explore environmental issues in the community while becoming more familiar with the Environmental Studies program. For the past few years, this class has also had a partnership with the LPS Sustainability department. Each new class of students performs a series of waste audits for a handful of LPS buildings (a great skill to add to any resume!). They also take on a different project each semester related to the LPS Sustainability program. Past projects have included research for a sustainability plan and developing video content around environmental themes.

This most recent semester has produced some of the most successful projects yet! The ENVR 101 class was divided into eight groups and LPS schools signed up to receive assistance from a student group with planning their Green Apple Day of Service project. Green Apple Day of Service is a unique moment to join schools across the world to celebrate the central role that schools play in preparing the next generation of leaders in sustainability. Schools across the world organize and register their events as an opportunity to give students hands-on experience with sustainability, strengthening civic leadership, environmental literacy, and project management skills.

The collaborative projects that took place within LPS covered a variety of sustainability topics and event structures. West Lincoln elementary used their PLC day to carry out a series of recycling activities geared toward each grade level including a recycling relay race, building towns from recycled materials, and creating posters with messages about the importance of recycling. Some of the other student groups assisted with clean up days in outdoor classrooms and courtyard areas, while another group organized a carbon footprint lesson with the Lakeview Elementary Green Ambassadors. All eight projects, along with several other LPS events, are registered on greenapple.org.

This partnership between UNL and LPS has been mutually beneficial for the associated departments. The Environment Studies students have a chance to work with a real world community project and LPS Sustainability is given additional resources for growing environmental efforts throughout the district. These community partnerships play a significant role in supporting our green schools initiatives.