JASON & ISRI Partner on Recycling Education

When it comes to recycling, many argue that the key to success is to educate the youngest members of society and turn them into lifelong evangelists. JASON Learning, a nonprofit organization managed by Sea Research Foundation, Inc. and in partnership with National Geographic Society, has recently teamed up with the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) to do exactly that. The two organizations are developing real-world curricula for K-12 students to educate them on the many facets of recycling.

The lesson plans being developed offer a variety of learning mechanisms, including an interactive digital experience, classroom posters, and a range of age-appropriate activities, all of which leverage JASON’s focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects. Teachers are offered supplemental professional development for each of the unique focuses as well.

In a press release regarding the new partnership, ISRI President Robin Wiener said, “Our hope is that once students see the exciting science and technology involved in recycling, they will not only appreciate the benefits and become strong advocates of recycling, but that they’ll see the industry as a potential career path if they choose to pursue a STEM education.”

Perhaps the best part of this is that all of the materials will be available (some already are) completely free of charge on both JASON and ISRI websites.

But if you are a professional interested in building green, what does all of this mean to you? Well, in addition to the getting pumped about educating the upcoming generations on recycling best practices and career trajectories, some of the JASON partnership’s material is perfectly adequate for helping to understand how to satisfy the Materials and Resources (MR) recycling prerequisite in LEED. The requirements include creating a convenient recycling opportunity for building occupants.

Also, for those striving to achieve the Innovation in Design LEED credit in for educational outreach in LEED 2009, efforts will need to extend to signage that educates and encourages recycling. Consider utilizing the signage already developed by JASON and ISRI as a practical design and information template!