Anything with a Plug Recycling Event
11/16/24
Today we helped at Abington Township’s “Anything with a Plug” recycling event. Township
residents were able to drop off electronics for free, safe and proper recycling, and in exchange,
could donate food to the Family Promise Food Pantry. It is always better to repair or donate
electronics, but if they are beyond repair, please do not put them in the trash. The metals found in
many electronics can become hazardous waste, posing threats to humans and the environment if
not properly disposed of. Your local township officials or State Representative’s office can
provide you with dates and locations of recycling events.
Family Resource Fair
10/26/24
Today we had a “trunk” with treats at the Family Resource Fair and Trunk or Treat at the Ambler YMCA. We hosted a recycling quiz and gave out tips for a sustainable Halloween. You can have a sustainable Halloween – don’t buy plastic decorations, and be sure not to use fake spider webs as outdoor decoration – they can trap bees, butterflies and even birds and small mammals. Pumpkins are a great decoration but be sure to eat them or compost them later. Use a thrifted costume or host a costume swap. Don’t purchase disposable glow sticks – use flashlights that you already own. If you are passing out treats, looks for candy that is made from companies that use organic or fair-trade ingredients. Remind your friends to make eco-friendly choices, too – it all adds up. Happy Sustainable Halloween!
Fall Fest!
10/5/24
Today we volunteered and celebrated at Fall Festival in Abington. There were tons of free activities and children were encouraged to bring their own bag for Trunk or Treat. We made scarecrows using old clothes and helped children make their own reusable burlap bags. Fall is a great time to become more sustainable: open your windows to let in fresh air (no need for air-conditioning or heat), walk where you can to enjoy the beautiful fall weather, and decorate with sustainable crafts. Fall is also a fabulous time to visit farmers markets and stock up on local produce! We are falling for fall!
Native Plant Sale
9/28/24
Today we volunteered at a Native Plant Sale at the Abington Public Library. Native plants are important for pollinators, birds and wildlife. They require less water than other plants, so are easy to maintain and environmentally friendly. The landscaping choices you make can have a meaningful impact. See the resources listed below for more information.
Audubon Native Plant Database: https://www.audubon.org/native-plants
DCNR Native Plant lists for PA: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Conservation/WildPlants/LandscapingwithNativePlants/Pages/default.aspx
Penn State Extension native plants for the perennial garden:
https://extension.psu.edu/pennsylvania-native-plants-for-the-perennial-garden
Creating a Meadow for Pollinators
9/22/24
This weekend we partnered with Monarch Defenders and Friends of the Wissahickon to turn a vacant intersection in Philadelphia into a vibrant meadow for pollinators. We learned about native plants and the role they play in the ecosystem. We can all do our part by avoiding the use of pesticides, which are harmful to pollinators. Plant a variety of pollinator friendly plants so that the pollinators have access to food, water and shelter. Focus on native plants and try to include plants that flower at different times of the year. Click here for tips for pollinator gardens in small spaces.
Presentation at Abington Club Kids Camp
8/21/24
Today we presented at the Abington Club Kids Camp. We talked to the campers about sustainability and the importance of recycling. We then did a sustainable craft and a recycling quiz. Thank you Target for a giftcard donation that allowed us to purchase supplies!
Pop Up in the Park Event
8/7/24
Today we hosted a sustainability table at a "Pop Up in the Park" in North Hills Park. We provided eco-friendly repurposed materials for children to make seed starters and talked to them about sustainability. There are so many crafts that children can do without purchasing anything new! We had a great morning in the park.
Beach Clean Up
7/3/24
We hosted a beach clean-up in North Wildwood, NJ. New Jersey has some of the most beautiful
beaches in the world. Let’s all do our part to keep it that way. When you visit the beach, be sure
to take all of your trash with you as you leave and dispose of it properly, reusing and recycling
what you can. Wildlife often mistakes trash, especially plastic bags, for food and this is
extremely harmful. Sea turtles are well known to mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and eat them,
then the bags get stuck in their digestive system, leading to poor nutrition and even starvation.
We can each do our part to help prevent this. If everyone who visits the beach can take a quick
look around before they leave and clean up any other trash that they see, we can keep the
beaches clean and keep waste out of the ocean. Happy July 4th !
Robert F. Chapman OPC '36 Fund Award
5/24/24
Our President and Founder, Elena Jadach, was awarded the Robert F. Chapman OPC '36 Fund for Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship Prize. It is awarded to a member of the Junior class at William Penn Charter School whose talents in the sciences and passion for nature recall Robert F. Chapman’s lifelong application of scientific understanding to environmental issues.
Middle School Sustainability Outreach
5/8/24
Today we presented to students at Abington Middle School. We talked about the recycling rules in the township and common mistakes. We played a game with an interactive recycling quiz, and we talked about ways that we can all live more sustainable lives. We also made eco-friendly seed starters.
We also had the township recycling rules read on the morning announcements at the school, so information about the township recycling rules and our sustainability message was heard by more than 2,000 students and staff!
Earth Day Information Booth
4/21/24
Today we hosted an information booth for Earth Day to raise awareness and discuss
sustainability initiatives and what individuals can do in their everyday lives to be more
sustainable and help combat the climate crisis. The theme of this year’s Earth Day is “Planet vs.
Plastics.” We are spreading awareness of the health risks of plastics and calling for an end to the
production and use of single-use plastics. We are encouraging everyone to make healthy
decisions to improve their own lives and the life of Mother Earth. REFUSE single-use plastics
whenever possible. Do not buy plastic bottled water – the plastics can be bad for your health and
terrible for the planet as it is difficult to recycle and often ends up in landfill or worse. Carry your
own reusable water bottle, a reusable straw and eating utensils, and reusable bags. Encourage
your friends and family to do the same and we can make a difference!
Anything with a Plug Recycling Event
4/20/24
Today we helped some of our PA State Representatives and Junkluggers with their “Anything
with a Plug” recycle event. Citizens were able to drive up and drop off electronics for free, safe
and efficient recycling. Placing electronics in the trash is wasteful and harmful to the
environment. The goal of the Junkluggers is to donate, rehome and recycle everything they
possible can, minimizing what ends up in landfill. So many electronics were kept out of landfill
thanks to this event! Remember to always look for a way to repair, donate or recycle electronics
rather than throw them away. Contact your local State Representative to find a recycling event
near you.
Library Garden Festival
3/23/24
Even though it was raining, we made it to our library's Garden Fest! We had a recycling quiz, a sustainable plant starter activity, and spring holiday tips and crafts!
Sustainability Program for Teens
3/13/24
Today we hosted a program at the library for teens in the community to learn about several environmental topics, including recycling do's and don'ts, gardening tips, sustainability initiatives, and the upcoming solar eclipse. We had a large turnout at the event, and more than 50 teens signed up for our sustainability project! A special thank you to the Abington Library for lending us the space!
Environmental Open House
3/9/24
Today we attended the Upper Dublin Environmental Open House, where we learned about native plants, bird friendly blooms, making your windows safer for birds, ways to reduce single use plastics, recycling tips, the upcoming solar eclipse and more! Check out your township website to see when there is an environmental open house in your area!
Science Fair
3/7/24
Today, our Founder and President, Elena, presented her original research at the George Washington Carver Science Fair. This fair is an opportunity for Philadelphia school students to connect and present their research to like minded peers and to be judged by experts in the field. Elena's topic was "Increasing Suburban Curbside Recycling and Reducing Contamination Rates." The judges asked great questions and it was fun to meet students from all over Philadelphia and to learn about their science projects.
MLK Day Lightly Used Winter Clothing Drive
1/15/24
Today, we hosted a collection of lightly used winter coats and clothing for MLK Day. Many people are in need this winter. By donating clothes, you can help people AND reduce the amount of clothing in landfills. When clothing goes to landfill, it can take years to break down, and as it does break down, it releases gases that are harmful to the environment. Manufacturing new clothing uses water and energy. By giving clothing a second life, we are helping create a more circular economy and a more sustainable future. Want information on where to donate gently used clothing in your community? Contact your local school district or your State Representative to direct you to organizations currently accepting donations.
Sustainable Holidays Booth
12/9/23
Today we hosted a Sustainable Holidays table at Winter Fest! We had DIY pomander balls using
locally gathered Osage oranges and cloves, ideas for sustainable gifts, sustainable wrapping
paper, eco-friendly decoration ideas like dried orange slices and pinecone ornaments, and more!
We also helped educate community members about local recycling rules. There was a great
turnout from the community and we wish everyone a very happy, sustainable holiday season!
Presenting Original Research on Improving Curbside Recycling
12/5/23
Today, our President and Founder, Elena, presented some of her research at the International Conference on Advancing Sustainable Futures. This is a peer-reviewed conference bringing together environmental experts from around the world.
Elena's research presentation was titled, "Improving Curbside Recycling in the United States by Outreach and Education to Gen Z." The abstract is as follows:
Curbside recycling in the United States is vitally important due to both sustainability and environmental factors as well as economic reasons. However, curbside recycling is not as efficient and effective as it could be. According to the NGO The Recycling Partnership, only 32% of available recycles in single family homes gets recycled. In this study, I use survey methodology to examine the attitudes and perceptions of Gen Z (currently between 9-24 years old) on curbside recycling and I propose ways to improve it.
The conference addressed the four pillars of sustainability in line with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals: Technology, People and Culture, Environment, and Economics. The objectives of the conference are listed below:
- To provide a forum for international researchers and practitioners to debate the most pressing issues, and discuss, share, and exchange their latest research findings in the area of sustainability.
- To develop and promote a network of like-minded people who are passionate about a sustainable future.
- To empower decision makers by providing them with the most current research findings and policy needs in the areas of sustainability.
Gently Used Halloween Costume Collection
11/30/23
One of the scariest things about Halloween is the waste it generates. According to some estimates, in the U.S., Halloween costumes generate 12 million pounds of textile waste each year, with most of that ending up in landfill.
This November, right after Halloween ended, we partnered with The Halloween Helpers and organized a collection of gently used costumes. As the Halloween Helpers note, "Halloween is one of the most important events in a young child’s life. It provides lifelong memories, develops self-worth, and allows kids to play an active role in their community. Unfortunately, many children are unable to participate in this fun, annual experience because they do not have a costume." The mission of The Halloween Helpers is to collect previously-enjoyed, gently-used Halloween costumes and donate them to children who may not typically be able to participate in this yearly celebration.
They will store the donated costumes that we collected and distribute them to children next year. At Gen Z for Sustainability, we consider this a win-win. We can help children and at the same time, keep these gently used costumes out of landfill.
If you are interested in donating to the Halloween Helpers or hosting a future collection for them, you can contact them directly via the contact information on their website.
