Eco-thon

the problem:

I want to promote knowledge about the harmful effects of pollution, littering, pesticides, and industrial waste on the environment among community members. I also wish to provide community members with ways to care for the environment including tips on saving energy, recycling, buying organic, and advocating earth-friendly government policies.

I will develop a list of topics to be addressed at the event and contact members of the community, teachers from local school districts, representatives from environmentally-conscious companies and environmental advocacy groups to speak with her about the topics. She will also compile a list of supplies needed for the event and distribute them with a donation request to stores such as Home Depot and Giant Eagle. At the event on April 26th, volunteers will gather to rotate through 5-6 half-hour workshops on different topics, each with an environmental theme and game. The event will culminate with a giant game of Litter Patrol, where the volunteers are split into 4 teams and race to collect any litter caused by the event or lying near the area.

Younger volunteers will learn about rain cycles and how pesticides and other pollutants disrupt these cycles. I will also explain the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources and why the recycling process is both necessary and beneficial to protecting them. Youth will also explore "how energy is made" and how all of the choices advocated at this event reflect energy-efficiency and its environmental benefit.

Older youth and adult volunteers will learn about why certain products (such as LED lightbulbs) use energy more efficiently and what effects small changes can have on the environment. They will also be given information about companies that are making environmentally-friendly choices and how to advocate similar action to their legislators, utilizing tools such as petitions and legislative visits.

All volunteers will learn the value of teamwork when they compete with each other in eco-games, such as Litter Patrol, throughout the event. Volunteers will return home feeling confident that they have made a difference in their environment and prepared with the skills to make earth-friendly decisions (and pass them along to their friends!).

After the event, Bianca will contact the schools of North Allegheny District and ask to present to the science classes about some of the topics presented at the event. She will challenge the students to continue in the spirit of eco-friendly choices and develop their own projects.

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