Middle School Students Take on Dead Weight in Auto Industry, Win Nationwide Contest

Fri, 22 May 2009 09:48:40 GMT

Image Credit: Siemens Foundation Well it's no surprise to readers of TreeHugger that there's plenty of "dead weight" in the auto industry, but a team of Iowa middle school students took on the challenge of eliminating some of it themselves. And it turns out they've been announced as the grand prize winners in the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, the nationwide hunt for youth with sustainable ideas created in partnership with Discovery Education and the NSTA.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Siemens, Discovery and the NSTA Announce Student Finalists in We Can Change the World Challenge

Thu, 07 May 2009 06:25:36 GMT

Image Credit: Siemens Foundation In a bid to inspire middle school students around the country to get involved in the green movement, the National Science Teachers Association, Siemens Foundation and Discovery Education recently created the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge to reward those who do so in amazing ways. And now the finalist teams of two to three students in sixth through eighth grade that identified an eco-issue in their own communities that needed tackling and did so in a way that could be replicated across the country have been announced. And it turns out they came up with some terrific ideas that you just may be able to use to make your town a greener place to live. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Teacher Recognized for Efforts to Educate, Inspire Kids and Parents to Better Care for Our World

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:38:57 GMT

As a child growing up in Berkeley during the '60s, educator Patricia Donald loved reading National Geographic and Time magazines, where she says she learned about the pollution of the earth and its oceans, and the human-caused disruption of the balance of nature. "There was a lot of scary stuff going on in those days," said Donald. "It just felt really important to try to empower people to understand the space and the habitat they lived in, to help protect it instead of fighting against it all the time. Luckily, I had a lot of people who helped me believe in my dream." And what a successful venture her dream has become in Berkeley, California. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Canadian Duo Runs Marathon Daily for One Year to Raise Eco-Consciousness Among Students

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 11:59:24 GMT

Image Via: Steve King While so many people are working so very hard to help educate kids about environmental issues and what they can do to make a difference, there's a pair of Canadians who've been on the run, literally, since May 4 of last year to raise awareness and educate kids at the same time by putting in a full marathon daily to make their way across the continent of North America as part of their Run For 1 Planet. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Bill Nye's Paper Recycling Factory An Eco-Minded Toy Aimed at Kids Near You

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 06:43:54 GMT

Photo Via: Discover This While Christmas morning has come and gone, there's no doubt that many kids across America are feeling flush with cash as a result of the holiday; and there's a great, fun toy put out by Bill Nye that's aimed at helping kids understand the process of recycling paper that the young, eco-conscious consumer in your house may be interested in.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Recycled Toyota 4Runner Could Prevent Millions of Newborn Deaths

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 06:00:55 GMT

With approximately 3.9 million infants dying within a month of birth each year throughout the developing world, and 25 percent of those deaths due to complications of being born prematurely like heat and water loss, a group of innovative engineers at Design that Matters are finding a way to recycle cars into infant incubators and hoping to ensure that millions of kids live to see their first birthday as a result of their efforts. According to Dr. Jonathan Rosen, a former director at the Center for Integration of Medicine and Innovative Technology (CIMIT) which is now promoting the program, he learned from doctors working in developing countries that no matter how remote the community there always seemed to be a working Toyota 4Runner that around. So the challenge became to "start with a 4Runner and take away all the parts that weren't an incubator." ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

In California, Santa's Elves Took to Streets to Check Tots' Toys for Lead

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 06:56:05 GMT

Photo Via: New America Media As part of an outreach program to help parents better understand the effects of lead on their children, there's a great group of folks that deserve a bit of recognition this holiday season for their efforts to educate and protect kids in California from lead poisoning. It turns out they're working off part of a $1.5 million settlement between major toymakers and the state of California after the public outcry over lead in toys that turned into a nightmare for parents, legislators and toymakers not so very long ago. And in particular, this group of educators from the Center for Environmental Health is focused on those who need the most help understanding what all the fuss is about when it comes to lead in toys by working to educate parents who often don't speak English by taking their lead testing equipment to the streets in locations they often frequent. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Top Beverage Companies Receive Mediocre, Failing Grades for Recycling Efforts

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:42:21 GMT

Photo Via: East Tennessee Clean Fuels When you think of success in any endeavor the simple truth is that a grade of "C" is rarely considered top-notch. Mediocre is perhaps more like it, but that's just what Coca-Cola, called the top U.S. beverage maker, received when As You Sow, a corporate watchdog group, released their findings recently as the result of an investigation into the recycling practices of the top 23 U.S. beverage companies. Unfortunately, many more failed, with 16 of the 23 surveyed receiving an "F." Did your favorite beverage maker top of the "somewhat nice" list? Find out below the fold. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Recycled Cans Create a Festival of Christmas Lights

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 11:24:03 GMT

Photo Via: Darrell Sapp/Post-Gazette If you're looking for a more eco-friendly way to create a festival of holiday lights in the future, consider what Pennsylvania homeowner Jim Berroth has taken on as a more environmentally friendly approach to dealing with holiday decorations that's stopping traffic in his neck of the woods. It's a unique twist on your tired old Christmas tree, and his six grandkids, already schooled in the necessity to recycle what once filled landfills, call the creative display "Pap's pop can trees." ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Eco-Children's Book an Overnight Sensation as Santa Goes Green

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:36:10 GMT

When a children's author can sell 13,000 copies in just a month without the support of mass-market booksellers there's reason to believe this one just may be a hit with your kids. And with Christmas just around the corner and a price tag of $15.95 there's no doubt the price is right as an eco-themed stocking stuffer to round out your list. But what's this suddenly hot selling children's book about? ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Environmental Activists Find Common Ground With Polluters While Breaking Bread in Louisville

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:04:34 GMT

While the city of Louisville has been known for many things over the years, citizens of an area consisting of various chemical plants and commonly referred to as Rubbertown have put up with strange odors, burning eyes and fears that their every breath might contribute to asthma, cancer or other illnesses. But that began to change about a decade ago, after a minister from the predominantly African-American neighborhoods around Rubbertown organized protests, demanding aggressive government action to clean up the toxic air and reduce the chemical emissions from factories. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

EPA Announces Lifecycle Building Challenge 3.0

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 06:55:27 GMT

If you're somehow attached to or involved with the green building movement it's certainly worthwhile to note that the EPA is urging professional and student architects, builders and product developers to submit designs for green buildings and building materials for its third annual Lifecycle Building Challenge competition. Essentially, they're seeking design entries for buildings that minimize waste, reuse materials, cut greenhouse gas emissions and support cost-effective disassembly by anticipating the future reuse of building materials, and they'll also accept designs for innovative green building materials that cut down on waste that goes to landfills.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

EPA and CCNY in Joint Venture to Produce Environmental Scientists

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:27:35 GMT

Faced with the stark truth that the numbers of U.S. students pursuing careers in science are dwindling rapidly, the EPA and the City College of New York have announced a joint effort to encourage and produce environmental scientists of diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams in the field of environmental science and potentially wind up working for the EPA. Of course, there's always the reality that a career at the EPA may not fit the economic aspirations of such driven individuals, but there's certainly cause for hope that the program through CCNY just may help fill the void at the EPA. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Can Penn State Successfully Ban the Water Bottle?

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:18:56 GMT

Citing the example of Washington University in St. Louis, students at Penn State are pressing administration to enact a total ban on the sale of plastic water bottles on campus. And doing it in a somewhat humorous way like gathering to sing parodies of Christmas carols with lyrics like "December's hotter than J. Lo," and "O Scorching Night" to the tune of the more traditionally acclaimed "O Holy Night". But the question is; will it work? ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Nickelodeon Launches Big Green Help Challenge for Kids

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:30:53 GMT

Backed by the star power of folks like LeBron James and Cameron Diaz, Nickelodeon has launched The Big Green Help Global Challenge for kids. It's the first online multiplayer 3D global game designed for their age bracket with the goal of inspiring them to take action for a greener world. And with groups like the NRDC, NWF, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the LeBron James Family Federation behind it, there's a great chance they'll successfully motivate kids to get up off the couch and get moving environmentally.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Earth Hour 2009: Will Your City Take Action?

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:15:40 GMT

Way back in 2007, 2.2 million people took part in the world's first Earth Hour in Sydney Australia. And just one year later, 50 million people in 370 cities and towns, in more than 35 countries worldwide switched off their lights in a massive display of public action on climate change. From Sydney to San Francisco, Rome to NYC and even Casey Station down in Antarctica, folks around the globe stood together for one hour in a symbolic act to spread the message that they care about climate change, and that something must be done to stop it. Of course, Earth Hour 2009 is just around the corner... ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Number of Environmental NGO's Growing By Leaps and Bounds

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:02:02 GMT

It's that time of year when non-profits of every environmental stripe come looking for donations, and not surprisingly I've already seen gift guides, requests to "adopt" animals, purchase green holiday cards and plain old-fashioned solicitations sent to help raise money. Every year it seems to be more requests than the year before, and it turns out it's probably not my imagination playing tricks on me again.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

One in Three Toys on Shelf Found To Be Toxic

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:07:58 GMT

According to a recent study released by researchers for the Michigan-based Ecology Center, one in three toys tested was found to contain toxic chemicals such as lead, flame retardants and arsenic. It turns out that researchers tested more than 1,500 popular toys for lead, cadmium, arsenic, PVC and other harmful chemicals and said they found that one-third of the toys contain "medium" or "high" levels of chemicals of concern, which are not bad for the environment from a manufacturing standpoint, they're also terrible for the health of little ones. Wondering whether or not that gift you were about to purchase made the list? Click through to find out. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Captain Planet Foundation Set to Host 14th Annual X-MAS Party to Save Planet

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:56:31 GMT

If you're familiar with the Captain Planet Foundation, then you know what a great job they do giving out grants to teachers looking to bring environmental learning into their schools and classrooms. And without question, the annual X-MAS party and fundraiser coming up looks like it's got some great, great items worth bidding on with proceeds going to a great environmental cause. Just check out some of the fun, creative stuff they've come up with... ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Dame vs. Syracuse Gridiron Rivalry Goes Green on Carbonrally.com

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:00:25 GMT

With Notre Dame set to play Syracuse this upcoming Saturday on NBC in a carbon-free football game students, alumni and fans of the two schools are upping the rivalry by going head-to-head all month long in the name of sustainable living on Carbonrally.com. As each school works to create the largest green team with the largest reduction in their carbon footprint, and NBC throwing down some serious cash to help fund sustainable initiatives across the winning campus. But which school is currently winning? ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Young Children Building Antibodies to Cockroach and Mouse Proteins Face Environmental Health Risks

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:02:28 GMT

According to a study released by researchers at the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health there's reason to believe that the development of antibodies to cockroach and mouse proteins is associated with a greater risk for wheeze, hay fever, and eczema in preschool urban children as young as three years of age. The study is the first to focus on the links between antibody responses to cockroach and mouse proteins and respiratory and allergic symptoms in such a young age group, and the implications for children who live in our inner cities where indoor air quality is often poor are truly significant. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

WANTED: U.S. High School Students with Great Eco-Friendly Ideas!

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:49:08 GMT

If you're a high school student with an idea to make your community a more sustainable place to live then there's a new contest that just may be a great way to get the seed money you need to get your project off the ground. Put together by The Weather Channel and the National Environmental Education Foundation as a part of Classroom Earth, they're looking for smart, innovative, and workable solutions to pressing environmental issues. And get this; they'll even pay you a cash stipend for being a local environmental intern to go along with the seed money you'll receive to help make it happen! ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

American Federation of Teachers Passes Landmark Green Schools and Colleges Resolution

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 07:32:59 GMT

It may have slipped by your news reader during the dog days of summer, but don't think for a second that the AFT's recent adoption of a green schools and colleges resolution is anything less than a landmark event; because with 1,400,000 members the AFT has the membership muscle to back up their call for greener schools in America.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Arizona Elementary Kids Find Online School Newspaper an Eco-Smash

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 07:49:47 GMT

When students and staff at the Frontier Elementary School in Peoria, Arizona realized just 100 kids didn't have regular access to email in one form or another they took a shot at taking their journalistic masterpiece online, and they're beaming because of it.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

USGBC and Sen. Clinton Offer Energy Saving Solutions for Schools Via Upcoming Webinar Series

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:18:17 GMT

If you're as interested in seeing our schools cutting energy costs and their total carbon footprint as Sen. Clinton and the United States Green Building Council are then there's no doubt you'll want to get involved with their upcoming series of webinars aimed to help schools across the country get a better idea of just how valuable some simple investments in green infrastructure can be. Of course, a sneak TH preview of just what's in store for those who participate is right after the fold... ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

GrowKids Creates Key Chain for the Eco-Savvy Shopper

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:58:47 GMT

If you've been looking for a great reusable bag that folds in tightly on itself for easy carrying in no time at all then look no further than the keychain that turns itself into a reusable tote put out by GrowKids. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The Go Green Initiative School of the Week: Ladera Elementary in California!

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:00:38 GMT

It's charming to go green at Ladera Elementary School, and that's because the teachers and staff have put together a smart group of incentives to encourage students to live greener lives. As just our first great example, the Southern California school uses small walker-shaped charms to encourage students to take part in Walk to School Wednesdays. The plastic charms have turned out to be a huge hit. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Weather Channel Hosts Essay Contest for High School Students with Eye for Environmental Issues

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:12:26 GMT

If you're a high school student with a passion for the environment and a way with words then we've got a contest that's right up your alley. But you'd better hurry because the deadline for the Weather Channel's high school essay contest is just days away. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The Go Green Initiative's School of the Week: Westmount Elementary in Alberta, Canada!

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 08:47:31 GMT

The days of the week have taken on entirely new meanings at our Go Green Initiative School of the Week, Westmount Elementary School in Strathmore, Alberta, Canada. Plain old Tuesdays became Trash-Free Tuesdays and mundane Wednesdays are dubbed Walk or Wheel Wednesdays. Students are encouraged to rinse and recycle milk cartons with the creative Squish and Swish campaign. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Discovery and 3M Announce America's Next Top Young Scientist!

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:04:15 GMT

When Melissa Ray of Chesterfield, Missouri took home the title this week of America's Top Young Scientist at the 3M/Discovery Young Scientist Challenge along with her $50,000 prize she joined an elite group of middle school science enthusiasts over the past decade that have proven themselves worthy of the honor.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Recent Posts by TreeHugger's Kenny Luna, North Babylon, NY