One Cool Earth receives NOAA Marine Debris Grant

STAFF REPORT

One Cool Earth is pleased to announce the award of a substantial grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program to implement a curriculum on marine debris prevention. This grant provides funding for education on waste and litter management, composting, and the flow of watersheds in the area.

Starting on March 13, the organization will begin its Zero Waste Week, facilitating campus-wide waste audits and waste education lessons in schools across San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara counties. Students in these audits will develop their knowledge about local watershed stewardship and proper waste and composting procedures. This is in accordance with One Cool Earth’s Marine Debris Prevention Manual, which is available alongside other educational resources on its website.

One Cool Earth’s program brings together an alliance of nonprofits, public schools, indigenous groups, and government entities to reach youth that are curious about litter solutions and affects their waste-disposal behaviors. By developing culturally relevant and engaging lessons, students begin to understand the importance of their actions and can take steps to become environmental stewards on the Central Coast.

Christy Kehoe, NOAA Marine Debris Program California Regional Coordinator:

“We are delighted to continue our support for One Cool Earth and their collaboration with Central California schools, teachers, and most importantly, students, who are leading these efforts. We are truly inspired by this next generation of environmental leaders and our project partners for making such wonderful strides to keep our Pacific Ocean free of debris.”

About One Cool Earth

One Cool Earth is a SLO County nonprofit that partners with 29 local schools for integrated school garden education on-campus through their NGSS-aligned curriculum. Their mission is to create thriving school garden programs that power happy, healthy, and smart youth.