One of Sustainable Duxbury’s goals is to engage Duxbury High, Middle and Elementary school students in building a more sustainable environment in our town and our region. An example of a meaningful collaboration with the Chandler school took place recently.

Chandler School kindergarten teacher Ms. Myrsini Smith has been teaching students in her morning and afternoon classes about protecting our environment. Ms. Smith invited Sustainable Duxbury to join the February 7, 2012 classes to talk about what happens to plastic bottles after they have been used.

Former Sustainable Duxbury chairperson Janis Owens and Board member Marion Thayer responded to the request by developing a short presentation that included describing the life cycle of plastic bottles. With the aid of posters, pictures and hand-on activities the students learned about how they can help with recycling plastic products.

Owens and Thayer developed a fun activity that asked the students to find the recycle symbol on various kinds of plastic containers, which they did with lots of energy and enthusiasm. Owens and Thayer also brought numerous photos of items that are made of recycled plastic such as sneakers, clothing, bags and more. For more information about Sustainable Duxbury please contact co-chairs Fenna Hanes at [email protected] or Mike Wilson at [email protected].

WeatherNation Chief Meteorologist Paul Douglas examines the link between abnormally warm sea-surface temperatures and powerful storms. Topics include the recent southern tornadoes, the blizzard , and Superstorm Sandy. There is a terrific video on YouTube that is worth the watch describing the connection. Go to www.youtube.com and search: Links between powerful storms and ocean temperatures.