SBN Detroit’s Post

The EPA student challenge exemplifies the crucial integration of environmental justice into planning education and practice. Empowering students to address real community issues using public data and collaborative methods not only resolves current challenges but also molds future planning leaders. At Bridge Collaborative, we resonate with the projects showcasing the fusion of technical expertise and community knowledge. Examples like UCI's soil remediation in Santa Ana and UPenn/Drexel's 'land swap' strategy in Eastwick highlight the importance of balancing environmental science, social equity, and community preservation in effective planning. Initiatives such as the Eastwick United Community Ambassador Program underscore that environmental justice entails more than technical fixes; it involves empowering communities to advocate for their environmental well-being. This holistic approach mirrors our work with MPOs and communities nationwide. As planning practitioners, it is our duty to cultivate the next wave of environmental justice leaders. Their innovative use of public data tools offers fresh perspectives on addressing entrenched environmental disparities in our localities. Calling on fellow planning experts: How do you integrate environmental justice principles into your planning procedures? What insights can we glean from these student-driven innovations? #EnvironmentalJustice #UrbanPlanning #CommunityEngagement #SmartGrowth #Sustainability #PublicParticipation

Here’s a little article on one of my Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Communications students Andrew Delong.

It's gone! Florida Department of Environmental Protection's priorities are raising concerns as they shift focus towards converting parks into Golf Courses instead of supporting the successful Green Schools Program. The departure of the program's leader, reportedly due to restrictions on mentioning "climate change" in state documents, has left the future of the program uncertain. The Florida Green Schools Designation Program, which initiated a significant environmental movement in Florida's schools, has been instrumental in helping schools "reduce environmental impacts and costs." Florida DEP has taken down the website. Green schools not only enhance learning outcomes but also cultivate healthier environments for both students and staff while reducing operational costs. Stay tuned for a letter-writing campaign to bring back this program. #EnvironmentalProtection #GreenSchools #Florida #ClimateChange #Education #Sustainability #RonDeSantis.

Imagine if school communities began acting intentionally about Environmental Education for Young People? How can critical thinking, reading and writing help our young people make positive actions toward helping create a healthy environment? Green Literacy is launching a new series where we will discuss the significance of Early Environmental Education for Young People. For more information, visit our website www.GreenLiteracy.org. #GreenLiteracy #SolutionTree #EEE #GreenLiteracyHandbook #GLH

🚀 Excited to have visited Beth Kreydatus’ Environmental Justice class at Virginia Commonwealth University yesterday.🌍 It’s inspiring to see such passionate students eager to drive change. Let’s keep the momentum going! Your voices matter in advocating for the continuation of zero-fare transportation contributions from VCU. This initiative isn’t just about convenience—it’s a crucial step towards environmental justice. Here’s why: 1. **Reduces Carbon Footprint**: Zero-fare transportation encourages more students to use public transit, which reduces individual car use and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. 2. **Promotes Equity**: Ensures all students, regardless of financial background, have access to reliable transportation, helping to level the playing field. 3. **Encourages Sustainable Practices**: Supports a culture of sustainability and responsibility towards our environment. Keep advocating and let’s make a difference together! 🌿✨ #EnvironmentalJustice #StudentAdvocacy #ZeroFareTransit #VCU #Sustainability #GreenCampus #ClimateAction

Environmental educators: Join us in conversations with professionals in our field. These discussions delve into the intersection of educational practices, ecosystem health, sustainability, and equity. We also share relevant books, theoretical insights, and inspiring stories to explore how we can advance environmental education. ☀️ Learn about effective educational approaches 🌸 Use case studies to reflect on your own practice 🌿 Pose questions and share insights in YouTube comments 🌼 Implement hands-on and civic engagement learning 🌎 Empower advocates for the environment and justice Dive deeper into how we can collectively foster environmental stewardship and justice through education: https://lnkd.in/gDSd7hyE #EnvironmentalEducation #CaseStudies #Educators #Sustainability

🌱 Exciting News for Environmental Education Orgs! 🌍🌱 Introducing Find Educational Resources Now (FERN) - a new platform designed to connect learners with environmental education programs across BC & Alberta 🎉💡 By adding your programs to FERN, you can increase your visibility and attract more teachers and students quickly, easily, and for free! Over time, we'll analyze program data on FERN to help you identify gaps and strengthen your case for new programs and funding. Join us in building a more connected and impactful environmental education community! 🤝 (Currently in beta: feedback welcome! ✉️) Explore FERN today at https://lnkd.in/gU7ZT5Kk #EnvironmentalEducation #EdTech #Sustainability #CommunityEngagement #EducationInnovation

We had the honor of convening our Environmental Education (EE) Program grantee partners earlier this month at the beautiful Titlow Lodge Community Center in Tacoma for a workshop facilitated by the incredible Jose Gonzalez, M.S. The day was packed with thought-provoking discussions, interactive activities, and community building. Some highlights: ✨ Reflective activities like BEETLES Walk and Talk and “I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of”, which encouraged mindfulness and observation in outdoor settings. ✨ Conversations on blending the “language of ecology” with the “language of social justice.” ✨ The start of a deep dive into decriminalizing practices and network leadership principles. ✨ Honoring Indigenous Knowledge – Incorporating Indigenous wisdom into environmental education practices. We also enjoyed learning from our grantee partners and their expertise in: 🔹 Climate Change and Environmental Education – A big thank you to Molly Griffiths of Pacific Education Institute for leading an insightful session on integrating climate education with considerations for youth engagement and management. 🔹 Leveraging Social Media for Impact – A heartfelt thanks to Rachel Easton of Harbor WildWatch for guiding a workshop on using social platforms to amplify environmental education work and fund development. We’re so grateful to all the grantee partners and to Jose for creating a space of trust, creativity, and shared learning. Events like this remind us of the importance of coming together to tackle the challenges we face and create more equitable and inclusive futures. #EnvironmentalEducation #ClimateAction #IndigenousKnowledge #EquityInEducation #CollaborationForGood

On Saturday, our Environmental Club was joined by faculty and students from UMD’s School of Public Health, working together to clear tree debris, add native plants, and collect litter around our school property. These efforts not only improved our immediate environment but also provided a meaningful, hands-on learning experience for our students. Good Neighbor Day On October 26, College Park Academy students joined forces with the University of Maryland College Park for its 13th annual Good Neighbor Day—a collaborative event with the University of Maryland, the City of College Park, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and local organizations, all working toward a cleaner, greener community. As a MAEOE-certified Maryland Green School and LEED Gold-certified building, College Park Academy is dedicated to sustainable practices and environmental education. This commitment aligns with Maryland’s Green Schools Program and the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, emphasizing the importance of environmental literacy and community engagement in our schools. This year, our Environmental Club was joined by faculty and students from UMD’s School of Public Health, working together to clear tree debris, plant native perennials, and collect litter around our school property. These efforts not only improved our immediate environment but also provided a meaningful, hands-on learning experience for our students. Why Community Involvement Matters: Hands-on Learning: Students learn environmental stewardship by getting their hands dirty—planting, cleaning, and protecting local green spaces. Building Partnerships: Collaborating with schools, nonprofits, and public agencies creates lasting community connections and opportunities for future projects. Developing Empathy: When students see the impact of their work, they gain a deeper understanding of community needs and a sense of responsibility. Why it matters: Events like Good Neighbor Day aren’t just one-offs. They build lifelong engagement, leadership, and pride in our communities. The bottom line: These experiences make our neighborhoods better today and inspire the next generation to keep building. 🌍💪 #CollegeParkAcademy #PhoenixRISE25 #CommunityImpact #GoodNeighborDay #StudentLeadership #ServiceLearning Sandy Abu-Arja, Ed.D Gordon Libby Steven Baker