Culver City Observer -

Linwood Howe Participates In "Green" Campaign

On February 15 Culver City Unified School District and Community Sustainability USA, a California-based nonprofit organization, launched a pilot project at Linwood E. Howe Elementary to build awareness of sustainability in the school community and inspire behavior changes at school and at home.

Two back-to-back morning assemblies with a “CooltheEarth.org” skit performed by a group of Culver City High students kicked off the campaign.

“The sustainable transformation of Linwood E. Howe is truly exciting. Kids, teachers, parents and staff are working together to make changes in our every day lives to improve our environment - and our future. I am so glad my kids are getting a great sustainable education at school, and feel fortunate to be a part of this change," said Meghan Sahli-Wells, Linwood E. Howe parent.

Students and their families take a baseline sustainability survey; learn about sustainability and the science behind it; commit in writing to five behavior changes that will lead to greater sustainability and to encourage others to change behaviors; and track and report their behavior change progress. Students, classrooms, and grade levels that excel in participation and behavior change progress receive recognition and rewards.

Green⁵ behaviors – using natural sunlight when possible to light up classrooms; layering up or down to regulate temperature and opening doors and windows to reduce energy consumption; unplugging and sharing electronics; using reusable bottles; and committing to reduce, reuse, and recycle – advance sustainability.

“Through Green⁵, we aim to make a real positive shift in Lin Howe community’s culture by bringing the concept of sustainability and its significance to the forefront of our everyday lives, “ said Shea Cunningham, parent of two Linwood E. Howe students and advisory member of CCUSD’s Environmental Sustainability Committee.

To learn more details about Linwood E. Howe Elementary and Community Sustainability USA’s joint project or to get involved, visit ccusd.org/sustainability and communitysustainabilityusa.org.