Peet teacher shares how Earth Day lessons apply year round

Earth Day happened almost three weeks ago. It is a day to raise awareness about pollution and climate change; promoting picking up trash you see on the ground to help prevent toxins from entering the ecosystem. Using reusable products helps prevent waste from a single use item. Planting a tree helps reduce pollution because they naturally clean the air by breaking down nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and ozone on the ground level. The bark and leaves stamens trap the particles separating the dirty particles from the air makes it purified.

Jennifer Schultz, the earth science teacher at Peet Junior High, celebrates Earth Day “by participating in clean-up activities or simply spending time outdoors. One year we planted trees at Peet Junior High, and I thought that was a great idea.”

said, “I think global climate change is one of the biggest threats facing Earth today. The way it will impact people around the world is very scary, especially since lower-income populations will likely be affected the most. Pollution and habitat destruction are also major threats because they harm ecosystems and wildlife.”

items in homes that Schultz thinks people could reuse include “mason jars for pasta sauce and protein shakes instead of using plastic shaker bottles. The jars I buy from Aldi even have measurement markings on them, which makes them useful for cooking and mixing drinks.”

It is crazy how talented people are. The earliest bamboo utensil is the chopsticks, estimated to be over 5,000 years old. Chopsticks were used to stir food in pots, take the food out of the pot and shift firewood. Personal eating utensils started in 400-500 CE. They are an affordable option, and they are eco-friendly. They last about  two-five years, depending on how they are taken care of. It is best to handwash them so they last longer. When the bamboo is no longer being used it can be composted or thrown away. It is one hundred percent biodegradable and compostable, causing it to break down in two to six months. Overall, if you want a good silverware that will not release toxins into the environment bamboo is a good option.

Schultz said, “Yes, I think that is really cool. I have also heard that bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable and could help significantly reduce plastic waste in landfills.”

One resolution that Schultz wishes people did more of, she said, was “I wish more people would recycle and be more mindful of their consumption habits.”

Fitting in with nature is also a component of celebrating Earth Day. Schultz said, “Penguins are my favorite animal, but locally I also really enjoy squirrels.”

Schultz said “Pollinators are probably the most important because they help plants reproduce, maintain biodiversity, and support food chains.”

Schultz has also helped clean on Earth Day. She said, “I have helped pick up trash in our neighborhood and at school during clean-up events in the past.”

When Schultz is out in nature, she said, “My daughter and I enjoy walking trails, birdwatching and fishing together.”

Schultz said the earth is facing many threats. “Air pollution is the most immediate threat to vulnerable populations, such as people with asthma and the elderly. My son has asthma, so if I had to choose, reducing air pollution would be my first priority. However, climate change is also a very real and troubling issue that is not going away.”

If you turn the lights off and unplug cords when they don’t need to this could reduce  44 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Schultz said, “I try to do it when I can. I know there are tools that can measure ‘vampire electricity’ being wasted in homes, and it seems like an easy way to help reduce energy use.”

Schultz said, “I am most proud of teaching my children to be mindful of the environment and encouraging small daily habits like recycling, conserving energy, and reducing waste. To me, sustainability means using resources responsibly so they remain available for future generations.”

Schultz said, “There are many small and simple changes people can make, such as recycling more, purchasing eco-friendly products, and conserving electricity. I also try to educate my kids on how small changes can positively impact the environment.”

Regarding recycling, she said, “I regularly recycle large amounts of cardboard and glass at home, but I would like to improve when it comes to recycling plastics.  Many people are not incentivized to choose environmentally friendly options because of the higher cost. For example, I would love to drive a hybrid vehicle, but they are often much more expensive than traditional gas-powered cars. My neighbor has solar panels on his house, but that is also a major upfront investment.”

Regarding  how Schultz sees climate change affecting the community, she said “I think many people choose not to think about climate change because they feel helpless. Some politicians openly deny that climate change is a problem, and large corporations often prioritize profits over environmental concerns. This can leave people feeling discouraged or hopeless. However, I am hopeful that younger generations will continue pushing for positive change. I also think the environmental changes we saw during the pandemic showed that human behavior can have a meaningful impact on the climate.”