We recently interviewed Camille, the Program Partner at BCK Programs. Let us explore how their initiatives educate and inspire students to create positive environmental impact in their schools, communities, and beyond.
1. Could you please provide us with a brief introduction to the BCK Programs?
BCK Programs is an environmental education company that creates and delivers sustainability and pollution prevention programs at elementary, middle, and high schools. BCK instructors give students the information and tools to make meaningful "green" changes at their school and in their community while also providing Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned activities and lessons in the classroom.
Our programs also comport with the climate forward initiatives of the state and local municipalities. This includes regional legislation and policies that schools and citizens are required to observe. Through BCK's educational programs, students help accomplish district requirements while learning valuable job and life skills.
2. How do BCK’s ecoliteracy programs differ from other environmental education programs, and what makes them more effective in engaging students?
Thankfully, there are many environmental education organizations with programs that fit the needs of schools all over San Diego and California. BCK's particular portfolio of services focus on schools and school districts looking to implement sustainability best practices but also want to take advantage of the unique learning possibilities.
BCK instructors have professional backgrounds in education, law, marine biology, sustainability, water engineering and waste management. Our team pushes into the classroom to teach climate action units over the course of a few days or weeks. We also help schools rally student green teams and assist with garden and on-site compost management. BCK's deep and repeated connection with students and school staff is what drives the change at the school and in turn, fuels the student feeling of empowerment. BCK does not take on straight consulting work without student involvement -- nor do we visit a school one time for an all-school assembly.
3. How do your programs help municipalities and school districts comply with California’s environmental regulations, particularly California Senate Bill (SB) 1383, and what specific requirements do they address?
While BCK Programs offer climate units ranging from air quality to storm water pollution mitigation, California's recent waste legislation requiring schools to divert organics and recycling (along with compelling districts to recover food), our team has been very busy teaching and implementing waste diversion programs. We typically partner with the city and/or the waste hauler to help students understand the goals and strategies as they relate to the City's Climate Action Plan or waste stream contamination reduction efforts. Our programs often result in an 80% reduction of landfill waste in a school along with outreach to all of the families within the school district community. This takes a huge burden off the shoulders of City employees and also gets important waste hauler information to residents in a more palatable manner.
4. With the Universal School Meal Program leading to more food waste in schools, how does BCK Programs address the increasing challenge of food waste management in these settings?
We help schools implement strong cafeteria recovery programs and service best practices to reduce increases in food and packaging waste that might result from important Universal Meal Programs that feed hungry students without stigma. Our data shows that schools can manage their waste responsibly while supplying free meals by following just a few simple protocols. It takes a small financial investment up front paired with the district making it a priority -- but it's definitely possible.
5. Can you share an example of a real-world environmental project that students have investigated through your programs, and how it enhanced their learning experience?
Two simple examples of how student powered learning has been the catalyst for district changes that reduced school waste.
1. Students at a school district in Encinitas worked with our team over the course of multiple years collecting and analyzing data on plastic spork packets. We guided students to push for changes based on their data. Their efforts have influenced the District's move from plastic spork, straw and napkin packets to reusable silverware, no straws and dispensered napkins. The change took place through the work of student groups in multiple grade levels at different school sites within the district. This has resulted in less plastic waste and litter at each of their nine elementary schools. Students who started these initiatives are now in high school and college and are continuing to press for sustainability best practices in their community and beyond. They report back to us that their early experiences have fueled their passions.
2. Another group of students at a district in National City was one of our first to conduct an in-depth food waste audit. This is a school district that has always had 100% free and reduced meals and the program was implemented before any school waste mandates were required. The student-collected data pointed to a cafeteria menu item that was extremely disliked by students and almost always discarded without students even taking a few bites. Students presented this data to the District Administration and politely asked them to consider changing it. The District appreciated the data and made the change. Students were so happy they influenced a change, Admin was happy to not waste money on a disliked product and the teachers and Superintendent loved the project-based/real-world learning opportunity.
6. If a school or individual is interested in participating in your program, what is the best way for them to contact you?
The best way for schools to get more information about BCK Programs is to email camille@bckprogram.com or visit our social media pages on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bckprograms) and Instagram (@bckprograms)
