The Earth & Us Toolkit

The Earth & Us Toolkit is a comprehensive, reusable collection of curriculum, demonstrations, and resources designed to help high school students, teachers, and older student leaders run environmental workshops without starting from scratch. Whether you're a high school volunteer, a teacher, or a student leader looking to launch an Earth & Us chapter at your school, the toolkit gives you everything you need: lesson plans, discussion guides, materials lists for demonstrations, reflection activities, and customizable content.

The toolkit is freely available and actively maintained. We update it based on feedback from student leaders and teachers who use it in the field, ensuring it stays relevant, accessible, and effective.

What's Included in the Toolkit

8 core workshop modules with lesson plans and timing guides
Hands-on demonstration guides with materials lists and setup instructions
Discussion guides and reflection prompts to help students think critically
Games, activities, and icebreakers designed for different grade levels
Customizable presentation slides and speaker notes
Facilitator tips for managing group dynamics and troubleshooting
Printable worksheets and handouts for students to take home
Video demos and resources for training new facilitators

Built for Student Leaders

The toolkit is designed with student facilitators in mind. We know that high school and college students bring energy, authenticity, and real-world perspective to environmental education. But we also know they're busy, sometimes teaching for the first time, and might not have a background in environmental science or public speaking. That's why the toolkit includes:

  • Clear, jargon-free explanations so you understand the content deeply and can explain it simply
  • Pre-written talking points to help you feel confident leading the workshop
  • Troubleshooting guides for when demos don't go as planned or students have unexpected questions
  • Tips for managing group dynamics so you can keep everyone engaged and safe
  • Feedback loops — we want to hear from student leaders about what works and what doesn't

Whether you're running a single workshop or starting a student chapter at your school, the toolkit supports you in becoming an effective environmental educator. We're here to help you succeed.

Business Toolkit: Single-Use Plastic Reduction

Use this toolkit to address single-use plastic utensils in the restaurant industry.

You will enroll restaurants in #reducebyrequest, which eliminates the automatic inclusion of single-use plastic utensils in to-go and delivery orders. Restaurants will reduce their environmental impact while cutting costs and attracting new customers who patronize businesses that act responsibly.

This toolkit also guides you through the process of getting a #reducebyrequest ordinance passed in your town. By working with local businesses and city officials, you can create lasting, systemic change that benefits both the environment and your community.

What's Included:

  • ✓ Restaurant outreach templates - Ready-to-use emails and talking points to engage restaurant owners
  • ✓ Business case documents - Show restaurants how #reducebyrequest saves money and attracts environmentally conscious customers
  • ✓ Policy toolkit - Step-by-step guide to advocating for local #reducebyrequest ordinances
  • ✓ Marketing materials - Signage and social media content restaurants can use to promote their participation
  • ✓ Impact tracking tools - Measure plastic reduction and environmental benefits across participating businesses
  • ✓ Training resources - Guides for training restaurant staff on the #reducebyrequest program

Why #reducebyrequest?

Single-use plastic utensils generate millions of tons of waste annually. By making utensils available on request rather than automatic, restaurants dramatically reduce plastic consumption while cutting disposal costs. Customers appreciate the environmental commitment, and restaurants see improved brand loyalty.

When multiple restaurants and cities adopt #reducebyrequest standards, the collective environmental and economic impact is significant. This toolkit helps you build the case and navigate the process from pilot programs to citywide ordinances.

How It Works

1️⃣

Identify Restaurants

Use our templates to reach out to local restaurants and present the benefits of the #reducebyrequest program.

2️⃣

Support Implementation

Work with restaurant staff to implement the change. Use our training resources to ensure smooth adoption.

3️⃣

Build Policy Support

Once you have pilot businesses on board, use our policy toolkit to advocate for local ordinances.

Interested in using the toolkit?

Get in touch with us to access the toolkit and start your Earth & Us journey.

Ask About the Toolkit