Feb 17 – Syracuse EFC Launches Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Stewardship Program

With funding from the USDA, the Syracuse EFC recently launched its Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Stewardship Program, which trains students from universities throughout New York State to deliver SMM lessons to K-12 audiences from schools and organizations of their choosing.

Two full-day trainings on January 24 and February 7 in Syracuse, NY launched the stewardship program. Stewards were trained in the core principles of SMM and given tools and resources to create lesson plans for students, teachers, and school staff. Participating colleges and universities include Goddard College, SUNY Albany, SUNY Binghamton, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and Syracuse University.

Lisa Ruggero of Syracuse EFC coordinates the program, with support from Syracuse EFC Program Coordinator Laura Cardoso and Project Assistant Kaira Fuentes. Theresa Mandery of Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA) and Jean Bonhotal and Mary Schwarz of Cornell Waste Management Institute (CWMI) presented about their expertise in SMM at the trainings.

The program will run until May 2015, upon which students must submit final project reports to Syracuse EFC regarding instruction methods and numbers of students and staff reached.