What is Girl Scout Forever Green?
Each year, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio conduct service learning projects based on the focus of the council-wide service learning project. This year, in conjunction with celebrating the 100th Anniversary, our council-wide project is lining up with the national service project, Girl Scouts Forever Green (GSFG). This project was developed to honor founder Juliette Gordon Low, who loved nature and the outdoors. Girl Scouts of all ages, volunteers and alumnae are encouraged to take part in GSFG. This nationwide, take-action project offers a meaningful leadership experience that makes a huge positive impact on the environment and increases the visibility of Girl Scouts in every community. GSFG invites Girl Scouts to take action on these projects in 2012.
Making a difference starts with you! Here’s how:
- First, learn more about the three Girl Scout Forever Green projects listed below. For more information on these topic areas; visit www.girlscouts.org/gsforevergreen.
- Second, take the PLEDGE, register your participation and results and share your results with friends and family including using social media and/or email.
- Third, ensure to follow the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Council-Wide Community Service Project (CWCSP) by doing the five-steps of Service Learning and turning in the CWCSP Evaluation.
Reducing Waste
Girl Scouts around the world are learning about the effects of waste on our environment, and discovering ways to reduce waste. Along with your family and friends, you'll switch to using reusable bottles and bags and recycle all your aluminum cans.
GOAL: Reduce the number of discarded single-use plastic bottles and bags and increase aluminum-recycling rates
HOW: Use reusable water bottles and bags and recycle aluminum cans
Earth Hour
Girl Scouts around the world are learning about saving energy. Along with your family and friends, you'll replace incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified (or other energy-efficient) light bulbs. And don't forget to participate in Earth Hour by turning lights off from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm on Saturday of March 31, 2012.
GOAL: Encourage sustainable behavior change, reduce your CO footprint, and save energy and money
HOW: Install ENERGY STAR qualified (or other energy-efficient light bulbs) and participate in Earth Hour
Rain Gardens
Girl Scouts are building rain gardens, which are planted depressions filled with native plants that capture and absorb storm water and serve as functional gardens. You'll learn about, construct, and maintain a rain gardens at school, home, and your friend's homes.
GOAL: To increase green space and wildlife habitats, and improve water quality by reducing water-borne pollutants running into streams, rivers, and other water supplies
HOW: Plant and maintain rain gardens at schools, homes, and other sites
What is GSWO doing for Forever Green?
Girl Scouts of Western Ohio would like to see EVERY troop do a Take Action Project for the Forever Green initiative. In order to help troops succeed in doing this, the following are resources have been created to assist in your Forever Green Journey:
- Community Partner List: In the fall, community partners from all four regions helped in hosting a Service Learning: Forever Green Workshop on the three Forever Green project areas. These partners are willing to help any Girl Scout learn about the issues and help do a Take Action project!
- Council-wide Community Service Project: This page will help girls follow the five-steps to Service Learning allowing them to not only earn the Forever Green Patch, but the CWCSP patch. Both available through the Regional Girl Scout Shops.
- Take the Lead: Each month, the last page of Take the Lead is devoted to the Council-Wide Community Service Project and Girl Scout Forever Green.
- Earned-recognitions per age level: While working towards being Forever Green, here are some journey, badge and award links to help you discover, connect and take action to make the world a better place. Whether trying to conserve water, electricity or reduce waste, these resources will help you connect your conservation projects to Girl Scout earned recognition.
JUNIOR
Journey:
It’s your Planet, Love It
Legacy Badges:
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CADETTE
Journey:
It’s your Planet. Love it
Legacy Badges:
- Trees
- Skill Builder Badges:
- Trailblazing
- Night Owls
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SENIOR
Journey:
It’s your Planet, Love It; Harvest Award
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AMBASSADOR
Journey:
It’s your Planet Love It; Sage Award
Legacy Badge:
Water |
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Contact your regional program department for more information or questions:
Toledo: Rebecca Sarantou; rebeccasarantou@girlscoutsofwesternohio.org
Lima: Michele Branham; michelebranham@girlscoutsofwesternohio.org
Dayton: Sarah Kelly; sarahkelly@girlscoutsofwesternohio.org
Cincinnati: Brittany Troescher; brittanytroescher@girlscoutsofwesternohio.org