Schools are where we live, learn, and develop the intellectual foundation for the rest of our lives. At Turning Green, we believe school campuses and communities are one of the best starting points for change. All of us have the potential to bring more sustainability, equity, and justice into our school environments. Chances are, other students and teachers are already interested — and waiting for someone to reach out and make things happen. That person could be YOU! Sparking change on a massive scale begins by starting with one campus, then branching out to nearby schools and beyond. Step by step, together with classmates, leaders and partners, we can build the capacity necessary for real, lasting, positive impact. 

The COVID-19 pandemic completely shifted schools and education, requiring everyone to adapt to a new reality of online learning with countless challenges, as well as opportunities. Suddenly, your classroom was at your fingertips, connecting with teachers, mentors and peers happened by logging onto a call, and virtual mobilization proved not only possible, but uniquely powerful. As we slowly move toward a world with increased gatherings in person, new uses of technology have opened doors for young climate activists around the world.

Student-led movements have always been powerful catalysts for societal change. Motivated young people have limitless potential and immense capability! From school strikes for climate to divesting from fossil fuels to standing for racial justice in higher education, March for Our Lives to movements to ban glyphosate on campuses, students just like you are rising up locally and globally in support of a safe, healthy, just planet. Your work on one campus can lead to growth, even national and international momentum. Every movement begins with taking the first step. Youth leaders have been and remain vital in fighting for social justice. The civil rights movement, especially in the 1960s and onwards, relied heavily on young activists. The Greensboro Lunch Counter sit-in, a historically crucial moment, was led by students. Even if your actions feel individual or small, know that a better future begins with you.

In the face of COVID-19, schools adapted, pivoted, transformed rapidly, decisively and massively. Now ask yourself: what other changes might make your school a better, more just and sustainable place? Push those issues! Schools, like any institution, change because of people power, because of our voices, demands, coalitions and collaborative action. This can take many forms, including the work of organizations like our partner AASHE, empowering faculty, administrators, staff and students to advance sustainability throughout higher education and equip leaders to solve sustainability challenges. Our partner Captain Planet Foundation provides students, educators and schools with project-based curriculum like Project Hero around local species and ecosystems, as well as onsite learning laboratories through Project Learning Garden, and much more to engage and empower K-12 problem-solvers for the planet. Our partner RW Garcia ensures students have access to snacks that are healthier and irresistible on campuses and beyond that contribute to the health of people and planet.

And change can be enacted through direct academic channels. Programs, majors and departments dedicated to environmental studies, sustainability across disciplines, and social justice are becoming more common. New areas of education are rising to rightful prominence, and schools are responding to meet the interests and priorities of the next generation.

Before you begin today’s challenge, please join the 2021 PGC Facebook group. You’ll need to use it in the next few days!

Each Greener Winner will receive:

• A collection of organic gluten free snacks from our partner, RW Garcia. Not only do they want to make the world’s best and healthiest snacks, they also want to make the world a little better place to snack in.
• Set of recycled notebooks from Soul Flower.
• Pencils from Sprout. The plantable Sprout pencils can grow into plants like luscious flowers, fragrant herbs and fresh vegetables once they’re too short to use.   
• Naked Binder 1” binder made from post-consumer waste binders board and lined with recycled paper, Set of tab dividers and pocket folders made from post-consumer waste chipboard.

Each Greenest Winner will receive:

• A collection of organic gluten free snacks from our partner, RW Garcia. Not only do they want to make the world’s best and healthiest snacks, they also want to make the world a little better place to snack in. 
• Each of Paravel’s foldable nylon backpacks is made from 15 upcycled plastic water bottles. At Paravel, sustainability is at the core of every decision and they fight against climate change. 
• Save thousands of paper cups and plastic tops from wasting resources and polluting landfills by carrying this beautiful, reusable, dishwasher safe, to go cup from Ecoffee Cup.  The top looks like conventional plastic but it’s made of silicon and the cup is made from upcycled materials.
• Equator Coffees’ Organic Mocha Java Blend.
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