1. April 25, 2007 1 The Sustainable Oregon Schools Initiative Healthy Schools – Healthy Environments Lori Porter Stole Zero Waste Alliance

2. April 25, 2007 2 Sustainability means- “To keep something going forever...” Environment + Economy + Society

3. April 25, 2007 3 Schools have a big impact! Oregon’s K-12 school infrastructure supports over 600,000 students and employees. That’s bigger than the City of Portland! Buy and use lots of things. Operate lots of buildings and vehicles. Which can all increase Global Warming! Producing tomorrow’s workforce and leaders.

4. April 25, 2007 4 The Sustainable Oregon Schools Initiative “SOSI” Permanent, voluntary program, being created now Uses comprehensive approach to sustainability Can benefit all schools in the state, and beyond Managed by the Zero Waste Alliance Guided by a Steering Committee Healthy Schools, Healthy Environments

5. April 25, 2007 5 SOSI Strives to Help Oregon’s interested K-12 schools and districts integrate sustainability into their operations, teaching and culture. Working to: Increase stakeholder knowledge about sustainability Be a focal point for tools and resources to support the effort Form partnerships

6. April 25, 2007 6 Current Topic Areas Facilities and Operations: Building, Landscaping, Indoor Environment and Toxics, Energy, Water, Material Resources Systems and Services: Transportation, Food, Purchasing, Managing Sustainability Community & Culture: Community Involvement, Cultural Proficiency Education: Sustainability Education for Students and Staff

7. April 25, 2007 7 Who are the stakeholders? All of us! School districts, schools, teachers Government agencies and non-profits involved with the issues. Parents and students Businesses

8. April 25, 2007 8 What can YOU do? Subscribe to The Apple, SOSI’s monthly electronic newsletter. Start the conversation about sustainability within your local school district. Consider participating on a SOSI topic team. Coming soon: SOSI Resource website. Use it! www.sustainableschools.org Help it happen; Become a SOSI sponsor

9. April 25, 2007 9 Sustainable Schools are important for all of us! Sustainability supports academic performance The large impact of schools needs to be a positive one. Our kids are the future!