From a 10-acre “living” classroom on an organic farm in Encinitas to floating science laboratories on the coastline of San Diego, this year’s recipients of SDG&E’s Environmental Champions charitable initiative took an innovative approach to implementing climate science and conservation education programs throughout the region.
Education and exposure are the first steps to empowering change and protecting our planet. The Environmental Champions initiative is a core element of our efforts to build healthier communities where we live, work, and play.
This year, we are proud to support more than 75 non-profit organizations whose education and community engagement programs are geared toward climate science education in the areas of clean air, clean water, conservation and waste reduction.
Through this initiative, our charitable support will work to inspire change and cultivate a future generation of passionate, globally-aware environmentalists who will take active strides to protect our planet.
Reduce, reuse and make art
Tucked away in Normal Heights is one unique Environmental Champion, Art FORM (Found Objects Recycled Materials), whose programs integrate art education and climate science. Students from underserved communities learn about the impacts of pollution and climate change and are encouraged to tap into their creativity by making art from reused materials. Recently, we joined Art FORM and students from Alice Birney Elementary for the Magnify Climate Change workshop, where third graders interpreted a climate science lesson by making magnifying glasses made out of reusable or repurposed supplies donated by the community.
Thriving oceans for a healthier world
Another Environmental Champion, Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI) is focused on research and conservation programs to create a healthier ocean, instill a sense of scientific literacy in children, and solve some of the planets toughest challenges. With our support, HSWRI fisheries experts installed large seabass tanks in local classrooms where students will weigh, measure and track the developmental progress of this species for scientific research until they are ready to be released back into the wild. The research is essential to conserving and restoring coastal and marine environments for future generations.
A clean roadshow
This summer, we’ll be taking our clean, electric vehicles (EVs) on the road across the region to show our support of the 75+ Environmental Champions who are helping us in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and clean the air we breathe, the water we drink and the outdoor spaces we enjoy.
Learn more about our Environmental Champions grant program here and be sure to follow our “clean” journey on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook. #SDGEgiving