How is Joya Elmore turning her school into a zero-waste haven, one compostable pumpkin at a time?

Episode in a glance

- The Growers Program: Growing Food, Mind, and Soul
- Hydroponics and Botany: A Deeper Dive into Plants
- The Green Club: Student-Driven Sustainability
- Balancing Leadership and Advocacy
- The Wonder Bus: Expanding Learning Beyond the Classroom
- Embracing the Process, Not Just the Goal
- The Importance of Self-Care and Connecting with Nature

About Joya Elmore

Joya Elmore is a passionate educator and advocate for sustainability. She is the Director of Environment-based Learning at the Wellington School, where she works with students of all ages to develop a deep understanding of their environment and the importance of sustainable practices. She believes that hands-on learning, connecting with nature, and fostering a sense of responsibility are essential for empowering young minds to create a healthier and more sustainable future.

Connect with Joya Elmore

→ Wellington School Website: https://www.wellington.org
→ Wellington School Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellingtonschool
→ See the sustainability program at Wellington
→ Read about the sustainability program at Wellington
→ Joya's Email: elmore@wellington.org

Send us a message!

What does an environment-based classroom look like?

Joya Elmore, Director of Environment-based Learning at the Wellington School, shares her inspiring journey into the world of sustainability education. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in environmental values and living in a geodesic dome, Joya developed a deep appreciation for nature and sustainable living from a young age. She recounts how her experiences as a teacher ignited her passion for connecting students to their food sources, understanding the environment, and developing a sense of stewardship.

Episode in a glance

- Growing Up in a Family of Hippies and Geodesic Domes
- From Bartender to Teacher
- The Magic of Environment-based Learning
- From Virginia to Alabama to Ohio
- Gardening and Sustainability Initiatives at Wellington
- Advocating for Sustainability & Wellbeing at Wellington
- Sustainability, Wellbeing, and Service Learning

About Joya Elmore

Joya Elmore is a passionate educator and advocate for sustainability. She is the Director of Environment-based Learning at the Wellington School, where she works with students of all ages to develop a deep understanding of their environment and the importance of sustainable practices. She believes that hands-on learning, connecting with nature, and fostering a sense of responsibility are essential for empowering young minds to create a healthier and more sustainable future.

Connect with Joya Elmore

→ See the sustainability program at Wellington
→ Read about the sustainability program at Wellington
→ Joya's Email: elmore@wellington.org

Send us a message!

How can we equip the next generation to tackle the complex challenges of sustainability?

Neil Drobny shares his experience building academic programs that empower students to make a real-world impact. He played a pivotal role in developing Ohio State University's sustainability major EEDS (Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability). He also spearheaded the Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact at Western Michigan University, a competition that encourages students to develop innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. Learn how these programs are shaping the future of sustainability and empowering students to become changemakers.

Episode in a glance

• What is EEDS & its origins at OSU
• Explaining EEDS to Students
• Job Placement and Success Stories of EEDS Graduates
• Examples of EEDS Student Projects
• Neil's Reflections on the EEDS Program
• The Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact at Western Michigan University
• How the Bronco Challenge Works

About Neil Drobny

Neil Drobny is a passionate advocate for sustainability with a diverse background in business, academia, and environmental consulting. He is the program director of the Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact at Western Michigan University, a program that empowers student teams to develop innovative solutions to pressing environmental problems. Neil was a key contributor in the development of the EEDS (Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability) program at Ohio State University, which has become a leading sustainability-focused major. Neil has a long history of working with businesses and organizations to adopt more sustainable practices, bringing a deep understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects of environmental issues. He is dedicated to fostering a new generation of sustainability leaders and inspiring change through hands-on learning and impactful programs.

Connect with Neil Drobny & The Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact

→ https://wmich.edu/sustainability/initiatives/broncochallenge

Send us a message!