Educators Explore the Link Between Climate Change and Food Waste

Have you ever wondered about the connection between climate change and food waste? Educators statewide have been exploring this link during a three-part EarthGen climate science training. Inviting teachers from both Western and Eastern Washington, EarthGen facilitated collaborative learning cohorts where they pondered: How should our waste habits evolve?

A high school student in Clark County takes part in sorting lunchroom waste.
A high school student in Clark County takes part in sorting lunchroom waste, contributing to a campus-wide effort to minimize food waste and promote sustainability. Projects like this were highlighted during a recent EarthGen teacher training session focused on the connection between climate change and food waste.

In the first session, Dr. Kat Huybers, a UW climate scientist, shared data on greenhouse gas emissions from food waste, sparking discussions and questions amongst the educators. The focus then shifted to actionable steps in schools, with Sami Spring LeCain of Clark County Green Schools showcasing La Center Public Schools’ transformative waste initiatives. Energized, educators plan to integrate their learning into their lessons, supporting students to take community action. One educator shared, “I’m excited to bring food waste awareness to my students and see what they do to make a change!” Follow @earthgenwa on social media and stay tuned as educators share their classroom implementation stories later this month.