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S.C. Resource Conservation Challenge
About the Challenge ... U.S. EPA's Resource Conservation Challenge Workshop Materials Breathe Better (B2) Green Steps Schools

 

About the Challenge ...

The S.C. Resource Conservation Challenge (Challenge) is about new and improved ways for state agencies, colleges/universities, local governments, schools and school districts to conserve natural resources, protect the environment – and perhaps save money in the process. It is modeled after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S. EPA) Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) and customized for South Carolina, can be met in a variety of ways. Those ways include implementing and expanding initiatives on waste reduction, recycling, buying recycled and energy conservation as part of an overall sustainability program.

Each of us must accept and meet the Challenge. Each of us must have a resource conservation ethic. Each of us must operate more efficiently. Each of us must purchase more wisely. If each of us meets the Challenge, South Carolina will have a safer, cleaner environment.

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2009 S.C. RCC Workshop Materials

An agenda from the S.C. RCC Workshop, held on October 28 at Saluda Shoals Park, is provided. This agenda includes an updated contact list for the workshop's featured speakers. Also provided are PDF files of the PowerPoint presentations from the workshop.

PRESENTATIONS
SPEAKER

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Breathe Better (B2)

The anti-idling/clean air campaign -- known as Breathe Better (B2) -- aims to reduce harmful vehicle emissions from mobile sources around school campuses. 

“Mobile sources such as cars and school buses are a major contributor to air pollution in South Carolina. Because children breathe more air for their size than adults, they inhale more pollutants. Air pollution has been linked to respiratory problems such as asthma, a common cause of schools absences. 

From 2008 to 2009, more than 20 additional schools in 11 counties have joined B2. Each school has campaigned with creativity and excitement.  Student involvement is a key aspect of B2.  By serving on “Clean Air Patrols,” students take ownership of the program and make it more successful. Two schools piloted B2 in 2006-2007: Cross Roads Middle School in Richland County and Fountain Inn Elementary School in Greenville County. Both schools received grants from Champions of the Environment, and have earned recognition awards for their successes.

The goal of B2 is to protect the health and safety of children on school campuses by encouraging parents and bus drivers to reduce idling. Policy change within schools and voluntary behavioral changes within the community are key aspects of the program.

Please e-mail or call (803) 898-2233 for more information on the B2 Program or to get involved.

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Learn more about
the B2 Program.
     

Green Steps Schools

Green Steps Schools is an environmental education initiative that encourages individual schools to take annual steps toward becoming more environmentally responsible. Schools are assisted by a statewide network of mentors and share their results with other schools. Projects include recycling, habitat and butterfly gardening, composting, indoor and outdoor air quality, water and energy conservation, waste reduction, forestry and many others.

Green Step Schools was established in 2003 with Keep the Midlands Beautiful, Sonoco Recycling and the Office as part of the S.C. Resource Conservation Challenge.

Check out Green Steps and learn how to get started. For other information about the Challenge, e-mail the Office or call 1-800-768-7348.

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For more information about recycling in South Carolina, please call 1-800-768-7348.

This Web page was last updated on November 4, 2009.