Tackling climate change requires collaboration with all groups in society – in the community, in the business world and between adults and children. But it can be a tough subject to tackle with kids, and there’s a lot of big ideas to consider: scientific curiosity, natural wonder, awareness of problems and solutions, and growing kids’ responsibility for doing the right thing.  In Richmond, VA, we’re proud to be working with a local school to help tackle these subjects.

In 2022, Colin White – EHS Specialist at Sims Metal, reached out to Fatima Smith, Principal at Oak- Grove – Bellemeade Elementary School (OGBES), located just a few miles from Sims Metal in Richmond, VA. OGBES is a Title 1 school that serves approximately 675 students in PreK – 5.

“From that very first meeting, we realized Sims and OGBES had so many values in common. Mrs. Smith is an acclaimed educator who has a genuine commitment to helping schools implement educational programs focused on environmental stewardship, sustainability, and recycling. From that first day, specific short- and long-term goals have been set up to consolidate a partnership that directly benefits OGBES students’ education.”

Colin White – EHS Specialist

Sims Metal has offered financial support for the 2022-2023 school year to source school and teacher supplies, software licenses, and laboratory kits and equipment for an after-school program focused on the circular economy, sustainability, and the recycling industry.

Using the school’s grounds in Bellemeade Park, which include a waterway, as a practical learning environment, the kids examine macro and micro life all around them. That gets them thinking on human impacts on the environment – like climate change, litter and pollution – and how humans can solve these problems.

The job of the Sims Metal team is teaching the OGBES students the importance of keeping resources in use for as long as possible, how to recycle correctly and what metal recycling techniques are. The program also includes speeches from our business experts and hands-on demonstrations for the students!

Children learning about the concept of CO2 emissions from combustion using vinegar and baking soda
Children learning about the concept of CO2 emissions from combustion using vinegar and baking soda
Children learning about renewable resources and electricity from wind and water by making water wheels and windmills
Colin White demonstrating using vinegar and baking soda to illustrate the concept of CO2 emissions from combustion
Colin White teaching about renewable resources and electricity from wind and water by making water wheels and windmills

“Sims Metal is onsite at OGBES every two weeks and the kids are loving our lab activities! Our team get so much out of it as well – it’s a fantastic way to be involved in the community and we’re inspired by the enthusiasm and curiosity of the students”.

Colin White – EHS Specialist

If you have a community initiative that you believe Sims Metal could help you deliver, get in touch with us.