Sustainability & Citizen Science
Citizen Science Empowers
Environmental Understanding through Libraries
Citizen Science: One Person Can Make a Global Difference
Claim sustainable library status with qualifying projects!
Citizen scientists can help categorize information on these goals through SciStarter.
Promote Sustainable Practices in Your Own Citizen Science Projects
Reduce Plastic in Citizen Science Kits: Encourage patrons to bring their own reusable containers for collecting samples during citizen science projects. Source materials that are made from sustainable or recycled materials whenever possible.
Battery Recycling/Recharging Station: Set up a spot where patrons can drop off used batteries for recycling or charge their devices. Collaborate with local businesses to offer incentives for folks who participate in your eco-friendly programs.
Endangered and At-Risk Species Education: Organize workshops and events to raise awareness about the endangered species in your area. Teach patrons how to identify these creatures and share simple actions they can take to reduce harm to their habitats. You can even host a BioBlitz (an effort to record as many species within a designated location and time period as possible) to gather data for local conservation efforts! This will also educate your patrons about endangered or at-risk species they might encounter while doing other citizen science projects out in nature.
Leftover Eclipse Glasses?
Being a responsible citizen scientist also means responsible care and disposal of the tools that you’ve used for your science.
Donate
The contiguous United States won’t see a Total Eclipse again until 2044, but there is still a lot of the world left!
According to this article from the American Academy of Ophthalmology the non-profit Astronomers Without Borders collects lightly used eclipse glasses (no punctures, scratches, etc.) and donates them to countries across Africa, Asia and South America.
Recycle
Many styles of glasses are cardboard. Just pop out the lenses and the frames may be recycled!
Reuse
According to NASA and the American Astronomical Society, modern eclipse filters no longer expire as long as they conform to ISO 123122. Glasses may be stored until the contiguous United States sees its next total eclipse in 2064.