Exploring Sustainable Design

Explorer West held our 3rd annual Sustainable Festival on May 9th: "Exploring Sustainable Design." Students considered how design choices detract from or improve quality of life, for humans and the environment. The festival included: humorous skits on the "greenwashing" of sustainability, a performance with instruments made from found or recycled materials, an in-depth study of the sustainability of different types of common bowls, research projects on sustainable design in construction and consumer products, and student-powered chariot races!

Students also raised over $1,852 to donate to the Make It Right Foundation in New Orleans in support of sustainably designed homes for Katrina Hurricane Victims.

EW "walked the talk" of sustainability throughout the year. Advisory groups conducted audits on either garbage, recycling, energy or water use at the school with results reported and updates made. We continued work on a small native plants demonstration garden in the circle of maples with the addition of seven granite benches (regional stone!) as a class gift from the 8th grade.