Bringing Sustainability to Students, Residents

Focused on bringing sustainability education to the classroom, the third annual Sustainability Forum, presented by Eco-Stride, LLC, will be held at on April 12 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

“This year's forum will be different for a couple of reasons,” said Ross Chun, CEO of Eco-Stride. “First, we will focus on education. In years past, we had water conservation as a theme and sustainable businesses as another. Also, we are holding the forum at Soka University for the first time. It seems appropriate, since our theme is education, and Soka has adopted many sustainable practices. The most notable example is their LEED Certified Performing Arts Center.”

Speakers at the event include Lynn Hatton, Capistrano Unified School District trustee, who will discuss the district’s efforts to introduce students to various sustainable practices and a possible career in an “industry that strives to preserve the environment and sustain natural resources for the future,” Chun said. Hatton will also discuss the STEAM Program, which focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and math in local schools.

Hatton and Chun addressed the Mission Viejo City Council on March 19, introducing them to the STEM project. This pilot program is currently being used at Newhart Middle School in Mission Viejo.

“I believe we all agree that engaging students, and involving them in positive activities benefits the entire community and lays the foundation for success and a productive future,” Chun said.

Hatton also reccommended the council attend the Sustainability Forum and Newhart Eco-Fair, put on by community partners like Eco-Stride, the Surfrider Foundation. and Savannah's Organic Ranch.

Lisa Sachen, co-founder of Savannah’s Organic Ranch, will also speak at the Sustainability Forum to talk about the foundation’s organic gardening program, which has been introduced to many local schools. Their program stresses the importance of healthy eating and helps schools maintain a garden within their own property.

“All of our speakers have a connection to sustainability and education. We will be engaging students from Soka and Newhart Middle School in Mission Viejo, where Eco-Stride is working to introduce an environmental education program that we developed while working with Sage Hill School in Newport Coast,” Chun said.

ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance, who maintains the landscaping at Soka University, is sponsoring the event.

For more information about Sustainably practices in Aliso Viejo, take a look at the .