It s an educational experience that combines academic knowledge with service and personal reflection. The goal of service learning is to encourage people to volunteer for environmental service, which may lead to positive behavior changes toward the environment. People of all ages with an appreciation for the learning that occurs through service, are volunteering to help the environment. However, since the idea of service learning is relatively new, the ways in which it is used throughout the United States are quite diverse. Some schools require students to complete a certain number of service hours outside of the classroom while others incorporate service learning into their classroom activities.
Students can work with community groups and other organizations to complete their service project.
Additionally this program will inform students about how the skills they gained through participation in an environmental service project can assist them in pursuing of an environmental career. This booklet contains profiles of service learning projects that focus on various aspects of safe solid waste management, such as reducing household hazardous waste and buying recycled-content products. Each profile includes contacts that can provide information on how to start a similar program in your area. Additional resources, including grants that can help to get a project started, are listed in the back of the booklet. Whether you are starting a program in your school or looking for a service project to join in your area, the publication holds several ideas to get you started.