Sad day for Santa

For the first time in human history, the North Pole could be ice–free this summer. According to Live Science, what was predicted to be a possibility of happening decades from now, is happening right now.

News like this reminds us of what we are fighting for. As a kid, you have been put in the very unfair position of having to worry about such a daunting catastrophe as global warming. You should be spending your summer days carefree. But just as adults have a lot of thinking and work to do to put a stop to global warming, you as a kid also need to step up and realize the impact you have on the world around you. What can you do today, right now, to help the planet? Can you walk or ride your bike instead of asking for a ride? Can you start that compost pile you've been thinking about making? Can you write a letter to the editor of your paper? Can you turn off the air conditioner and go swimming? How about just unplugging unused gadgets and appliances?

When we take a look around us, there is always something that we can do to leave a greener footprint. Today is the day you can make a difference.

The Green Squad

Did you know that the average kid will spend over 14,000 hours in school by the time they graduate? Knowing this, you would hope your school was a healthy green place for you to learn and play. But just like our homes, our schools need Green Warriors like you, making sure they are healthy for your body and for the planet. The Green Squad over at the Natural Resources Defense Council are doing just that. Join them as they investigate how green their school really is, and learn how to make your school and the planet a greener place.

National Get Outdoors Day

This Saturday June 14th is National Get Outdoors Day. If you and your family spend a lot of time outside then you know how great it is to spend the day, or even a few hours, exploring, digging, hiking, running or climbing in nature. But if going outside is a rare event for you and your family, this Saturday is a great opportunity to get back to nature. The event will be celebrated at more than 54 locations across the US.

Visit Green Hour, to learn more about National Get Outdoors Day, as well as learning more about spending an hour outside everyday.

Principals for Change

Principals for Change, a non–profit organization founded by Pennsylvania educator Aaron Steinly, are embarking on a March from Pennsylvania to Washington D.C. to raise awareness about our national energy crisis. This inspirational group will be putting one foot in front of the other for 9 long days. They will be joined along the way by supporters, students and fellow educators. The walk cumulates on June 13th in Washington DC with a rally.

The organization aims to raise funding for educational grants for teachers to do "green projects" with students. They believe that schools and students can help solve the energy crisis through education. (I agree!)

Here's their itinerary of their journey if you want to join them and show your support. 

Be sure to visit their website and blog for up to date info on their journey and to find out more about how you can get involved.

Hey NYC Teachers, this one's for you

The New York City Compost Project holds NYC Teacher "Wormshops," a workshop on composting for the classroom.

"Composting with a worm bin is a practical, tangible approach to introducing natural science and recycling in the classroom. It appeals especially to tactile learning styles, allowing students to directly experience abstract notions by bringing textbook examples to life."

I wish I were a teacher, sounds like a lot of fun to me.

It's getting hot in here...

It's inspiring to know that students today are using their smarts for more than just writing papers and taking quizzes. High school and college students are mobilizing around the country and taking a stand on environmental issues. It's Getting Hot In Here is a collection of voices from the student and youth leaders of the global movement to stop global warming. This online community features inspiring posts from over 100 writers from countries around the world.

If you are looking to get involved with a youth environmental action group, this is the site for you, and be sure to check out the summer opportunities while you are there.