Environmental Awareness

Creating Awareness of Our Interrelationship with the Environment:  The world has a fixed amount of natural resources - some of which are already depleted.  So as population growth greatly strains our finite resources, there are fewer resources available.  If we intend to leave our children and grandchildren with the same standard of living we have enjoyed, we must preserve the foundation of that standard of living.  Schools that model and teach principles of environmentally responsible behaviors to students will have a long-term impact.  Teachers and parents are working everyday to educate the next generation of business owners and government officials.  We can equip them with the knowledge and skills they will need in the future to manage the complexities of the environmental impact inherent in all activities.

“The Story of Stuff” can be viewed free online at:  http://www.storyofstuff.com/  This wonderful 20-minute looks at the underside of our production and consumption patterns.  The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world.  It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.

Biofuels:  Beginning in January, San Diego Unified began using a B-20 blend of bio-diesel in 30 school buses.  The 80% regular diesel, 20% bio-diesel blend will reduce unburned hydrocarbons by 20%, carbon monoxide by 12%, and particulate matter by 12%.  SDUSD is the first school district in the country to use 'green diesel' in its buses.  The new mix will reduce emissions, provide a longer engine life, and provide a potential savings to the district of $70,000 annually in diesel fuel costs.  To date, there are no reported problems.  Drivers are excited about doing something positive for our students’ health and the environment.  For more information, please contact Alexandra Robinson, director, Transportation Department at (858) 496-8701 or email: [email protected]