“During the past year, SCC has really embraced the idea of becoming a more sustainable campus,” said Chris Breitmeyer, dean of math, science and health and chair of SCC's Team Green. “Expanding SCC's current recycling program to include all glass, plastic, aluminum and paper is an easy, cost-effective way to be more environmentally friendly on campus.”
SCC's Team Green committee, established in the fall of 2009, coordinated the week-long Sustainapalooza celebration, complete with music, a vendor fair, presentations and a film screening. Team Green works collaboratively with SCC administrators, academic classes and college departments to develop awareness of how to be green on campus.
Sustainapalooza events included a presentation by Dan Porter, SCC grounds supervisor, on the college's sustainable grounds practices, which include moving from synthetic to organic fertilizer, increasing the number of perennials and native plants on campus, and reducing grass mowing to conserve fuel and leave nearly 100 acres as natural green space.
Assistant Teacher Beth Smith and Lead Teacher Katie Mawer of SCC's Child Development Center (CDC) presented on the CDC's new “Seed-to-Table” program, where children learn about the food cycle, from planting to growing and eventually eating homegrown vegetables, fruits and herbs.
Breitmeyer presented on the college's new outdoor classroom in Rabbit Run Park, a partnership between SCC and the City of St. Peters, which will support learning for SCC students and will provide resources for the community.
Students also learned about sustainable energy from author and film director Josh Tickell, and watched Tickell's “Fuel,” winner of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award for Best Documentary.
SCC received a $25,000 grant from the St. Louis-Jefferson Solid Waste Management District to pay for the recycling bins, liners, composters and educational campaign.
For more information on SCC's green initiatives, contact Breitmeyer at 636-922-8281 or cbreitmeyer@stchas.edu.
St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences, and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.