2019 Earth Day Campaign Contest

Fourteen high schools across California competed in the 2019 Earth Day Campaign Contest. The top sustainability project submissions are highlighted here! 

Ruth Asawa School of the Arts

Ruth Asawa School of the Arts competed in all four categories of the Earth Day Campaign Contest - waste, water, energy, and transportation. Two students brought zero waste sensibilities to their school's annual fashion show by repurposing fabric - including old sailboat sails and thrift store finds - to make clothing. Another student created a film on plastic pollution. One group did a waste audit and then educated their peers on proper sorting, reaching 25% of their student body. A "Walk & Roll" day encouraged students to try alternative transportation. Students also participated in a Youth Climate Strike, and so much more!

High Tech High International

44 students engaged in a semester long project investigating climate change problems and climate change solutions. Their learnings culminated in an Earth Fair called "Planeteers Unite!" Their efforts impacted over 200 students across 5 grade levels ranging in age from 8-16.  Students developed interactive presentations, collected data to see how their presentations impacted attendees, offered solutions, and sought to encourage positive change.

Yosemite High School

Yosemite High School's campaign, School Trash And Recycling (S.T.A.R. Wars), addressed waste. Students educated their school on the greenhouse emissions and water contamination landfills produce in a campaign kickoff video (below). Waste diversion receptacles were implemented, and student ushers helped their peers properly sort their lunchtime waste. Local elected officials even joined the fun! Yosemite students diverted 946 of landfill in just three weeks.