Partnership to help Miami-Dade, Broward schools reduce carbon footprint, promote sustainability
Oct. 1, 2021 – Dream in Green has launched the 2021 Green Schools Challenge. This school-year-long project educates Miami-Dade and Broward K-12 students about how they can implement energy and environmental solutions at their schools.
For this year’s Green Schools Challenge, Dream in Green is working closely with Solar United Neighbors to provide schools with information about renewable energy and energy efficiency. The project will provide Miami-Dade and Broward County schools with free curriculum created through this partnership.
“If we don’t shift our reliance from non-renewable to renewable sources, there may be irreversible consequences regarding the health of the Earth, “explains Barbara Martinez-Guerrero, Executive Director at Dream in Green.
Lessons starting at the pre-K level through 12th grade focus on educating students about our energy needs. This year, students are asked to conduct school energy audits, compare alternative energy sources, and even explore environmental justice issues such as how energy burdens affect the BIPOC community locally.
“You’re never too young or too old to learn about solar energy,” said Laura Tellez, Solar United Neighbors South Florida Program Coordinator. “Young people have been at the core of Solar United Neighbors since our beginning.”
Solar United Neighbors started when two middle schoolers urged their parents to go solar. Together, they helped launch the first neighborhood solar co-op. That group helped 50 families go solar. Today, Solar United Neighbors has helped thousands of families across the country install solar through the organization’s solar co-op programs.
This year’s partnership through the Green Schools Challenge will give students an opportunity to learn how they can promote energy independence. This curriculum directly supports the UN’s Sustainable Development goals, specifically goal seven, Affordable and Clean Energy and goal nine, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. It also provides an introduction to possible STEM careers that are quickly growing in need. In Miami-Dade, it directly helps to support the school district’s 100% Clean Energy by 2030 goal.
Students and staff will be directly involved in designing and implementing energy and environmental solutions at their schools. Students come together as a Green Team to build a green foundation and complete fun monthly challenge activities related to energy efficiency and conservation, waste reduction and recycling, water conservation, alternative transportation, food efficiency and ‘green’ living.
For more information on the lessons and how to register schools for the program, contact Dream in Green and visit their website.
About Dream in Green
Dream in Green (DIG) is a Miami-based 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to empower individuals, especially youth, to lead in the response to climate change and other environmental challenges facing South Florida. DIG assists diverse organizations, including schools, households, governments and businesses to reduce their environmental footprint. Through establishing partnerships in our community, we develop, implement and oversee educational programs and workshops that promote environmentally sustainable behaviors among all age groups, with a particular emphasis on K-12 students.
About Solar United Neighbors
Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that works in Florida and nationwide to represent the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. Solar co-ops are part of the organization’s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment, and advocate for fair solar policies.
