VIDEO: Zero Waste Schools
Tailpipes and smokestacks are often considered the main culprits of the climate crisis (for good reason), but there is another culprit hiding in plain sight. That culprit, plastic, is made from fossil fuels, and it leaves a trail of emissions from its cradle to its grave, polluting people, communities, and the planet along the way.
Effectively addressing the climate crisis includes curbing plastic production and pollution. Zero Waste is a climate solution!
With our friends at Home ReSource, we recently co-hosted a film screening of the documentary, Microplastic Madness, and panel discussion about Zero Waste efforts and opportunities in Missoula schools and beyond. The film and our expert panelists taught us about how plastic and waste contribute to the climate crisis, the role schools play in building a Zero Waste community, and how schools can get involved in these efforts.
Watch the panel discussion recording in the video below.
THANK YOU TO OUR PANELISTS:
Michelle Barton, Zero Waste Education Manager at Home ReSource.
Jeremy Drake, Zero Waste consultant for MCPS and owner of Strategy Zero Waste Solutions.
Debby Lee Cohen, co-producer and co-director of Microplastic Madness.
Leigh Ratterman, City of Missoula Climate Action Specialist.
Chris Stevens, Jeannette Rankin Elementary School principal (ZW pilot school).
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NOTES & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
ABOUT THE FILM
Microplastic Madness is a film from Cafeteria Culture (CafCu), an environmental education organization working with youth to creatively achieve zero waste schools, plastic free waters, and climate smart communities. It is a true story of fifth graders who take on plastic pollution and are transformed into environmental problem-solvers and leaders. The film provides a living template for any community or school that seeks to equip students and citizens with the knowledge and tools to tackle zero waste and other environmental challenges of the 21st century.
Watch the trailer, view the film here during the next free screening April 15-24, or host a screening in your classroom, school, organization, or business. Additional resources are available for free online, including lesson plans, discussion questions, activities and games, citizen science opportunities, and more!
Schools can also join CafCu for Plastic Free Lunch Day in May! More information and resources here.
ZERO WASTE IN MISSOULA & MONTANA
Learn more about ZERO by FIFTY (the City of Missoula’s Zero Waste plan), including Zero Waste efforts and opportunities in Missoula at zerobyfiftymissoula.com.
Get involved in the Zero Waste Missoula community group and join the listserv here.
Contact Jeremy Drake at jeremy@strategyzerowaste.com to connect with the newly forming Zero Waste Montana group.
Join the Facebook group, Working Toward Plastic Free in Montana, for more resources and to connect with others.
FOR SCHOOLS & EDUCATORS
Access Home ReSource’s 5th grade curriculum, the Zero Waste Ambassador Program (ZWAP!), here and learn more about becoming a Zero Waste School.
Browse the CafCu website for more Zero Waste schools resources.
MISC.
Check out Break Free From Plastic for more plastic and climate resources.
Some good news: UN agrees to create a global plastics treaty to address plastic pollution!
Stay tuned to our events for more plastic-focused workshops!