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Our ProjectsHealthy Kids, Healthy FutureIndependence from fossil fuels is the focus of our initiatives, because this issue will define our children's future. Fossil fuel dependence greatly threatens our environment, national security, economic security, and our children's health. Our current local initiatives focus on our public schools, because this allows us to reach many children and gives parents an opportunity to have a positive impact. As taxpayers and parents, it is our responsibility to support our schools in our common quest to build a better future for all children. We urge you to ask yourself how you want your tax dollars spent. Do you want to continue to support our unsustainable dependence on fossil fuels at the expense of our children, or do you want to invest in a healthier, more hopeful future? 1) HEALTHIER SCHOOL BUSES
Want to know more? We recommend these sources: Health effects of diesel exhaust:
About biodiesel:
School bus fleets:
2) HIGH-PERFORMANCE SCHOOLS
Want to know more? We recommend these sources: Natural lighting and student performance:
About high-performance schools:
About Clearview Elementary School:
3) FARM TO SCHOOL
Want to know more? We recommend these sources: Childhood obesity:
The problem with industrial agriculture:
How sustainable agriculture supports our health and our environment:
Bringing the farm to school:
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Did you know that high concentrations of diesel exhaust-which can cause asthma, respiratory problems and lung cancer-become trapped inside school buses? Twenty-four million children spend about an hour each day on the school bus and are more vulnerable to these health problems than adults. Diesel exhaust also produces CO2 pollution, which is causing global warming. We aim to help school districts in Chester County move their bus fleets away from diesel dependence by promoting a 20% biodiesel blend (B20). Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils, animal fats or restaurant greases; emits less CO2, toxins and particulates into the air; and typically does not require any engine modifications. The Department of Energy encourages biodiesel and endorses it as an alternative fuel. The school district of Medford, NJ, moved to B20 in 1997 and reported a "seamless" transition at no extra cost. More than 100 other school districts have done it, too, including Great Valley, located right here in Chester County, PA!
Did you know that natural lighting and high-quality air can boost learning ability by as much as 3 to 5%, promote teacher satisfaction and retention, and improve attendance? Natural lighting and healthy air are two key features of "high-performance" schools. These schools are also built to environmentally responsible standards and operate much more efficiently using energy-conserving technologies and sustainable energy sources-thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Clearview Elementary in Hanover, the first high-performance school in PA, reports a 2% higher construction cost but an annual 40% reduction in energy costs over a similarly sized conventional school. Other "green" schools in our area include Radnor Elementary School, Ridley High School, and Twin Valley Elementary Center. Our goal is to make every new school in Chester County as "fossil-fuel free" as possible, so we can optimize our children's health and learning environment while ensuring a sustainable future.
Did you know that childhood diabetes and obesity are rising at alarming rates? Many respected health organizations are asking that healthier food be provided to children in schools. Our goal is to have children eat fresh, healthy school lunches made from food supplied by small community farms. By localizing the food supply, we can reduce fossil fuel use, because small farms don't require as much fossil fuels for pesticides, production, packaging and transport as industrial farms do. And fresh foods require less processing, which also uses energy. Many experts say our current fossil fuel-based food system is unsustainable. With Farm To School, we can nourish our children-and their future.