Sustainability at PPS

Hello PPS Sustainability world. We hope you’re keeping warm as the weather continues to get colder.

As we move into winter this month, we’re talking about community and climate resiliency. We’ll share opportunities to give back to your community, both in terms of time and winter clothing donations, and we’ll take you to James John Elementary School to experience how they honored Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. We'll share where you can learn how to do DIY weatherization in your home to help stay warm this winter. And we’ll introduce you to a new community network at Portland Public Schools.

If you missed it, you should definitely check out last month’s newsletter to learn about everything from Hayhurst’s waste reduction initiatives to heat islands. For weekly stories and updates, including opportunities for students, teachers, and community members to get involved and voice their ideas on PPS climate and sustainability work, follow us on Instagram @pps_sustainability. And if someone was nice enough to send this newsletter to you, go ahead and subscribe! Already subscribed? Send this to your best friend!

Last month dozens of students celebrated Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, gathering in the park on a crisp fall morning to walk together to James John elementary.

Students and parents arrived at the park early to shmooze, see their friends, and play at a large table lined with walk’n’roll comics, coloring books, word searches, and art supplies. Kids decorated purple crowns to wear in honor of Ruby Bridges.

“Who is Ruby Bridges?” I ask a group of students as they put glue on their crowns. They respond with lots of answers all at once: She is a very brave African American woman from Louisiana who desegregated an all white school when she was a young girl. She was escorted to school by U.S. marshals every day during her first year. And today, we’re honoring her by walking to school all together!

The walk begins and students, many wearing bright yellow safety vests, their breath floating off into the cold air, are visibly excited! They skip, bounce, and sway their way down the sidewalk, following students who carry a giant, colorful “Walk, Bike, and Roll in Honor of Ruby Bridges” banner. Student crossing guards keep the procession safe at crosswalks, dutifully holding up yellow crossing signs as traffic pauses for the big walk.

Energy is sky high as students arrive at school and the bell rings to call them off to class. Zy’toya and Candell, 4th grade students and frequent walkers-to-school, are excited about the Walking Bus.

“I like walking to school because there’s a lot of cool nature that you can see, like the birds chirping. My favorite thing is seeing the leaves walk off the trees,” says Zy’toya. And for Candell? It’s all about staying healthy: “Walking makes our body more healthy and we can breathe the fresh air while we walk. It’s a good way to get a little exercise.”

James John principal, John Melvin, brims with pride as he watches his students walk across the final intersection onto the school grounds. “The lead up to Ruby Bridges walk to school day has been incredible. Making the connections between healthy routes to school and social justice has clearly had a big impact on our kids this month,” he says.

Want to see what it looked like? Check out this amazing video of the event, produced by James John parent volunteers.

AND! There's so much more exciting news around getting students to schools in healthy, safe, climate friendly ways. Two months ago, we wrote about the Alameda Bike Bus. This month it's James John's Ruby Bridges walk.

Now, PBOT is announcing an expanded safe routes to school program for Portland high schools that, in partnership with Elevate Oregon, will include trainings, lessons, and support for students, staff, and parents who want to organize walking or biking groups.

And with the support of a grant from ODOT, PPS is hiring a full time Safe Routes to Schools coordinator. See the Resources section of this newsletter below to learn more and to apply!

A big part of climate resiliency is about building community networks of support. Many community centers and shelters are taking winter donations, including warm clothing, for members of our community in need as temperatures continue to fall in Portland. Info211 has created a helpful list of organizations across Multnomah County currently requesting donations. You can see that list and find out how to donate warm clothing to one or more of these organizations here.

Community Energy Project’s Winter Weatherization Workshop teaches low-cost energy saving techniques for renters and homeowners alike. Learn how to help the environment, save money, reduce energy, stop drafts, and prevent mold. Income-qualified participants will receive $100 worth of FREE materials to lower energy costs and stay warmer in their homes during the colder months.

Check out the flier below to sign up! And let us know what you learn.

Are you a PPS educator who’s passionate about sustainability and climate justice? Become a PPS School Sustainability Champion and join a network of teachers across the district who are working on creative, collaborative ways to bring climate justice and sustainability initiatives to PPS schools! Learn more and sign up to become a PPS School Sustainability Champion here. If you have specific questions, please get in touch with us at sustainability@pps.net.

It’s no surprise that between the wrapping paper and food waste, the winter holidays can generate a lot of waste, but have you ever thought about just how much? As of 2016, the EPA estimates that, “the amount of household garbage in the United States can increase by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, from 4 million tons to 5 million tons”. That’s literally a TON of trash! And trash is only the tip of the melting iceberg when it comes to holiday environmental impact. Package shipping and travel also contribute to carbon emissions. So, what are some ways to improve your holiday environmental impact?

1. Travel efficiently. According to a 2021 Deliotte survey, “Four in 10 (42%) of Americans plan to travel between Thanksgiving and mid-January, taking an average of at least two trips”. Choose to go by train or bus instead of airplane or car. Read this Brightly blog post for more information about carbon emissions associated with different modes of travel. If you already purchased your plane tickets this season, don’t stress or beat yourself up. Instead, go ahead and set a reminder for next year around the time you typically book, to look into eco-friendly travel options.
2. From homemade gifts to reusing wrapping paper, this Eco-friendly gift giving Guide from Green That Life, has dozens of ideas for sustainable gifting practices.
3. Consider shopping local and supporting Native artists, by heading to NAYA’s Native Made Winter Marketplace, more information below in the events section!

PPS is hiring a Safe Routes to Schools program coordinator. This person will work with PBOT and ODOT to help the district plan and create a Safe Routes to School implementation plan that will help more students and families safely walk, ride, and roll to schools.

These routes are great for students mental and physical health, community building, and carbon reduction.

Click here and search "Safe Routes" to read the full job posting and apply!

Metro is offering funding for clean up efforts around the region and schools are eligible. The funds are accessed with a super easy form, and schools can request up to $5,000 for clean up efforts like graffiti removal and trash pick up.

If you want to learn more, shoot us an email and we would be happy to help you make this happen! Sustainability@pps.net.

Winter break is almost here! Help our schools rest by shutting them down before you leave for good. Check out this handy flier for 5 easy things you and your students can do together to help our schools save energy and costs over the winter holidays.

Bring your broken household items for free repair to the Repair Fair! Acceptable items include bikes, electronics, small furniture, lamps, small appliances like blenders or coffee makers, jewelry, and clothing. Registration is required using the Item Registration link here. Limited to two items per person.

When: Saturday Dec. 10, 2022 12:00-3:00PM
Where: Tualatin Public Library, 18878 SW Martinazzi Ave Portland, OR 97062

Support Native artists and find the perfect gift for everyone in your life at the NAYA Native Made Winter Marketplace! There will be live music, refreshments and food in the surrounding Cully neighborhood!

When: Dec. 10-11, 17-18, 11:00AM-5:00PM

Where: 4636 NE 42nd Ave Portland, OR 97218

Sustainable Building Week is now hosting monthly networking meetings! By attending, you will have the opportunity to connect with fellow sustainable building enthusiasts. You can register for this networking meeting here.

When: Tuesday, December 13, 5:00-7:30PM

Where: PAE 151 Southwest 1st Avenue Portland, OR 97204

Join SOLVE at their Goose Hollow community cleanup event! You’ll get to pick up litter downtown, helping keep trash out of waterways and beautify the city. You can learn more and sign up for this service event by clicking here! Pre-registration is required.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 14th, 9-11AM

Where: KGW Media Group, 1501 SW Jefferson St, Portland, OR 97201

PlanetCon: A Free Recycling, Reuse and Sustainability Fair is coming up in January! Shop or donate to the Really, Really Free Table for next year’s winter holiday décor, sign up to get something fixed at the PlanetCon Repair Fair, and drop off items for recycling or proper disposal. Learn more about important topics to boost your knowledge, such waste reduction and the Master Recyclers program! To find out more info about this fair, check out the PlanetCon website here.

When: January 14, 2023 11am - 2pm

Where: PCC Rock Creek campus at 17705 NW Springville Rd, Portland, OR 97229, parking lot E and building 9