GIRL SCOUT SARAH JO LAMBERT MAKES TEACHING CHILDREN TO “GO GREEN” THE FOCUS OF HER GOLD AWARD PROJECT
Albuquerque, NM (September 2009) – American Clay Enterprises, Inc. is proud to be one of the sponsors for the Lorax Lodge, a “green” environmental center created by 16-year old Girl Scout turned environmental activist Sarah Jo Lambert. Her goal is to help save the environment by creating a space where children can be educated about green practices and inspired to make a difference. Sarah’s efforts will earn her a Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement for a member of the organization. Lorax Lodge—with interior walls covered in American Clay’s earth plaster–is located at Girl Scout’s Camp Rio Blanco in Crosbyton, Texas, and will be available for use by Girl Scouts, for school field trips and other visitors. The dedication will take place on October 11, 2009.
A team of fourteen design professionals committed to the cause and volunteered their time and expertise in green building to making Lambert’s dream a reality. The 800-square foot building will be constructed entirely of compressed earth blocks (CEB) and will be powered by solar energy. One section will be a place where visitors can watch and read about environmental issues while the other will serve as a place for students to do experiments focused on environmental topics. American Clay donated twelve bags of its patented, all natural, earth plasters in Loma with Bluefield as the chosen color for the center’s interior wall finish.
American Clay was the perfect choice for the project since their Earth Plasters are a unique combination of clays, aggregates and natural pigments which contain zero VOCs, are non-flammable, resist mold growth, absorb odors, provide temperature and humidity buffering, repair easily and come in recyclable packaging. It also has the lowest carbon footprint per pound of any commercially available wall finish.
“I am honored to have American Clay participate”, says Carol Baumgartel, VP of Marketing and Sales for American Clay. “Sarah Jo’s drive and commitment to the project was unstoppable, and I hope this encourages youths across the country to see what a difference they can make in the world they will inherit.”
Other green aspects of the center include windows made out of recycled glass, massive 18“ walls and an earthen floor made of compressed earth blocks by EarthCo Building Systems and the passive solar design, which uses heat and light from the sun as its power source instead of electricity.
As part of her project, Sarah has also written and developed a classroom curriculum with green teaching activities and has designed a new nature trail at the camp. For the final step of her project, she is including “The Green Challenge”, her personal plea to Girl Scouts around the world to incorporate green centers in their Girl Scout Councils.
“I believe in my project and know that I must personally take a stand to get things started”, says Lambert. “If we start teaching green concepts at earlier ages, all children will start living with the same green attitudes. I believe Lorax Lodge will be a positive educational experience for all who visit.”
ABOUT AMERICAN CLAY ENTERPRISES, LLC
American Clay produces patented, award-winning, all-natural interior wall finishing products. Their Earth Plasters and the commercial ENJARRE single coat plaster are a unique combination of clays, aggregates and natural pigments that offer builders and consumers a natural and elegant option. There is no off-gassing nor inherent waste on-site. The plasters contain zero VOCs, are non-flammable, are mold resisting (without toxic fungicides), absorb odors, provide temperature and humidity buffering, repair/clean easily and come in recyclable packaging. American Clay, with an extremely low carbon footprint, is uniquely manufactured in and made of materials found in the U.S. American Clay Enterprises, Inc., is based in Albuquerque, NM, and its products are patent pending. The product and various workshops are available through their New Mexico office or through one of the growing number of retailers and distributors across the U.S. The website, http://www.americanclay.com, offers information on products, ordering, technical specifications, product application and additional resources and links.
U.S. PAT No. 7,485,186 B2
ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF TEXAS OKLAHOMA PLAINS
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.6 million girl and adult members worldwide. The leading authority on girls’ healthy development, Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains, visit http://www.gs-top.org.
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