WESTON in the News

WESTON and Beaver Ridge Elementary School Students Celebrate Earth Day

WESTON employee Greg Harper and a GreenGrid® Roof module

Employee-owners from our Norcross, GA, office made a difference in the lives of local elementary school students on Earth Day, hosting seven stations at Beaver Ridge Elementary School for students to learn about sustainability, recycling, and water/energy conservation:

1. Water-Cycle Bracelets: Students made bracelets with colored beads representing each stage of the hydrologic cycle.

2. Water Conservation: Students learned about groundwater, public water sources, and the Georgia Watering Ban. Norcross personnel also installed a rain barrel at the school and discussed how it will collect/store rainwater as part of conservation efforts.

3. Pinecone Bird Feeders: Students made bird feeders from pinecones spread with lard and seeds to promote wildlife.

4. Alternative Energy: Norcross personnel discussed the types of alternative energy and used tabletop working samples to demonstrate how solar and wind energy can be used for heating and electricity. Students displayed their newfound knowledge by completing a large crossword puzzle about alternative energy.

5. Green Roof Demonstration: Norcross personnel explained the benefits of green roofs and installed a GreenGrid^® module at the school. Each student received a sample plant.

6. Non-Point Source Pollution Relay: Norcross personnel explained non-point source pollution and how it affects water quality using the example of picking up after pets. Relay participants used “pooper scoopers” to pick up, bag, and dispose of model clay representing pet waste.

7. Students placed recycled material in the appropriate bins

   Recycling Activity: Students sorted bags of recycled materials into appropriate bins. A short presentation explained landfills and the importance of recycling.

Half of the school’s third-, fourth- and fifth-graders (approximately 315 students) participated in the events. Later, the students returned to their classrooms to share with others what they had learned. An article about the event was featured in the Gwinnett Daily Post.