Service Projects Here are examples of service projects that provide eco-friendly everyday solutions. Some of these projects are currently underway; others are looking for people to sponsor and execute. Please feel free to take action or suggest additional projects. *Important**When taking action on these projects, please contact the s.e.e.d.s. by letting us know what action will be taken and when. We want to avoid groups inadvertently competing against each other, and we want to give public recognition to the groups taking action!
Battery Recycling
Create a “fact sheet” about batteries and their impact on the environment. For example, how long it takes batteries to break down and subsequently what chemicals are released into the environment. Take action by planning a battery recycling drive. Students cut off tops of soda bottles to create used battery containers and distribute to all Riverside schools and businesses, along with flyers explaining the project.
Environmental survey/education/research
Help educate our community by defining the problem. Create a survey of current environmental habits of schools, neighborhoods, or a sample of Riverside residents. What are their eco habits, interests and concerns? Analyze the results by graphing and trending the data. 5-6 months later, execute survey again and see if environmental habits have changed.
School Recycling
Educate people on the benefits and importance of recycling. Help explain how to determine what is accepted within Riverside’s recycling program and what is not. Create posters and sponsor contest at grade schools. Give presentations to boy scouts or girl scouts. Create decorative boxes or containers for recycling - plastic, paper, etc, or do a fundraiser to buy recycling containers for the school. Once we have input and ok from schools and a venue for them to recycle, distribute.
Composting at School
Educate people on composting – why is it needed? How do you do it? How much effort is involved? Create a compost box at school, adding organic waste from lunch times over a 3 month timeframe. Demonstrate the benefits of diverting organic waste from landfills and using it for gardening material.
Initiative campaigns
Select 3-5 initiatives, such as Lower your thermostat. Replace light bulbs. Eliminate 5 car trips per week. Use both sides of computer paper at home. Research the effects of a given # of households impact of executing this initiative, such as lowering thermostats 5 degrees and then organize a day of "Lower your thermostat!" at the school. Do a survey to see how many people complied. Follow up with the beneficial effects of that day's impact by creating a fact sheet to distribute through school envelopes.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Create a “fact sheet” about hazardous household waste, such as batteries, paint, fluorescent lightbulbs, old medication. Survey people to better understand people’s current understanding of household hazardous waste. Take action by participating and extending SEEDS household waste collection drive.