The Blog

International Waters Program with Adult Refugee Students and their Families International Waters was a program conducted by Buffalo Urban Outdoor Education (BUOE) in partnership with the Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Division intended to introduce refugee adults to the Great Lakes, environmental science concepts and health information through firsthand experience on Lake Erie.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

It is that time of year again; summer is almost over and it’s time to prepare for the new school year. In an attempt to help all those going back to school, I’ve decided to look into some greener ways of going back to school. Here are some of my favorite tips!

1. Buy Smart

It is best to recycle old supplies rather than buying new supplies. There is a lot of waste generated from half-used notebooks and pens, so take an inventory of what you already have before buying. You can tear out the used sheets and add a new cover to give it a makeover. This could cut down your shopping list . In the case that you do need to buy new supplies, consider eco-friendly products and recycled paper. Check out our Grow blog tomorrow to learn about buying eco-friendly clothing.

2. Re-buying

Kids often have to read the classics in school, so instead of buying a new copy why not look for one in a second-hand store. Be thrifty this school year and re-buy when you are looking for some supplies, like a backpack, and clothing. Thrift stores have everything from books to clothing, so you are sure to find what you need at a discounted price. For college students, buying used books will cut down on your textbook costs dramatically. You may even find some helpful notes in the margins!

Photo Credit: Douglas Levere

GrowWNY: All right, I am here at the University of Buffalo to talk with the Chief Sustainability Officer, Ryan McPherson (RM), for the GrowWNY.org blog.  I’m Alex Epstein with Grow Western New York (GrowWNY).  Thanks so much for meeting with me today.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is offering summer workshops for teachers through Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center in the Town of Cheektowaga.  Each workshop provides teachers with activities designed to incorporate environmental education into their existing curriculum.

From July 16 through the 20, teachers can learn how to connect their students to nature at the “Great Lakes Academy.”   The program provides educators of students in grades 6 through 12 with hands-on activities designed to fit into existing curricula in science, math, English language arts and other subject areas with a focus on the Great Lakes.  Participants will receive a $200 stipend and the program provides 30 hours of instruction for which in-service or continuing education credit may be available.  The Academy will feature local history, geology, flora and fauna, a “Science Afloat” program aboard the Lake Erie schooner Spirit of Buffalo, and tips for using the outdoors as a classroom.  Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) 2.0 and Project WILD Aquatic (Wildlife in Learning Design) workshops will also be included.