Sponsored Post – from Texas Disposal Systems
Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) has always been deeply invested in environmental preservation and dedicated to offering more than the typical waste pickup provider. By incorporating solid waste disposal, compost production, and recycling operations, TDS strives to make it easier than ever to reduce the landfilling of resources. As part of their initiative to encourage sustainability efforts, TDS launched Eco Academy, a program that educates K-12 students about trash, recycling and composting options in Central Texas schools. The program is designed to minimize waste in schools and includes curriculum as well as educational materials to staff and students, instructing them how to recycle and divert waste, while teaching them why it is important.
Similarly, the organization Girlstart has been empowering Austin-based girls to find solutions to the world’s most complex problems using STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math). Their innovative education programs inspire girls to take risks and encourage curiosity to help them develop strong problem-solving skills. In addition to app development, robotics, video game development, and circuitry offerings, Girlstart has joined forces with Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) to integrate the company’s Eco Academy curriculum into their week-long Summer Camp sessions*, called “Take it to the Streets.”
Girlstart will demonstrate how to divert waste by sorting compostable waste into the correct bin and building a composting bin for the organization’s headquarters. Additionally, campers will use recycled materials to complete various projects to increase sustainability efforts. Eco Academy was a natural addition to Girlstart Summer Camps as it encourages campers to think critically about waste diversion. Both the camp environment and the girls’ vested interest in helping the planet present a great opportunity to open their minds to the STEM opportunities that exist within sustainability and resource management career fields.
The partnership between Texas Disposal Systems and Girlstart is well suited, as both organizations value the lasting impact both education and awareness have on the future and understand the importance of equipping students with the tools they need, both in and outside the classroom. STEM education plays an integral role in sustaining our natural resources and environment for future generations, as well as teaching problem solving skills to help solve for challenges like waste diversion. There is little doubt that the investment in younger generations through programs like Eco Academy and Girlstart will make for a cleaner, brighter future.
* Camps are full at this time. Registration for 2019 opens in early January.
Please note – editorials and sponsored posts are written by guest writers to inform and educate the community on a variety of different viewpoints, as well as to share information about local eco-friendly businesses and organizations. However, they do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Austin EcoNetwork.
