Below is a list of just a few examples of both school and community-based ocean stewardship projects within the Ocean Guardian School project pathways.

6 Rs- Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Rot, Recycle

Clearly marking school and local storm water drains with suitable signs such as "This drain leads to the ocean"
Covering and storing trash in areas where it cannot contaminate or pollute storm water;
Implementation of school-wide recycling/composting programs
School-wide green purchasing program that takes into account the environmental impact of purchases (packaging, recycled materials, sustainable production)
Implementation of zero waste lunch programs that promotes the use of reusable/bulk/compostable items
Community outreach campaign that educates about a related issue and advocates for change (i.e., “The Last Plastic Straw”)

Schoolyard Habitat/Garden

Creating or improving school gardens/schoolyard habitats with an emphasis on native plants, low water use, rain catchment systems, etc. while clearly connecting these activities to the health and preservation of the local watershed and/or the ocean,
Community education efforts using school-based ocean friendly garden as demonstration resource

Watershed Restoration

Restoration of local watershed/wetland area (i.e., removal of invasives and planting natives)
Improving fish habitat within a local watershed
Shoreline/bank stabilization
Re-vegetation of streams and creeks that flow through local areas

Marine Debris

Reducing single-use plastics on school campus (school cafeteria), at school/sport events, etc. (i.e., installing a hydration station(s) on campus, promoting use of reusable water bottles, working with cafeteria to reduce sale of single-use plastic items)
Outreach/advocacy project focusing on promoting reusable bags in local community/ stores

Energy & Ocean Health

Conducting school energy audits/carbon footprint calculations that lead to energy saving projects such as "power down" campaign, installing energy saving light bulbs, smart power switches, etc.
"No idling" campaign, bike to school day campaign
Installing clean energy alternatives such as wind/solar projects
School-based water saving campaign
Tree planting projects

Click here for related lesson plans and educational materials aligned to the national education standards and ocean literacy fundamental concepts.

*The project lists below may not always represent a complete list of schools participating in the program for that specified year.