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Thoughtfully Sustainable

The Sweetest Community Tradition You’ve Probably Driven Past

Published 3 months ago • 1 min read

The Conscious Classroom

Simple, sustainable STEM ideas that reduce waste, spark curiosity, and inspire young minds.

Hi Reader,

Did you know that May 17th is the very first National Little Free Library Day?

It also kicks off Little Free Library Week (May 17–23), a celebration of community book sharing, literacy, and neighborhood connection. And honestly? It feels like the kind of simple, meaningful movement the world could use more of right now.

A few fun facts about Little Free Libraries:

• There are now more than 200,000 registered Little Free Libraries around the world
• They exist in all 50 states, 128 countries, and even on all 7 continents
• More than 500 million books have been shared through these tiny libraries since 2009

Little Free Library Week also includes fun, family-friendly activities like:

  • Visiting a local Little Free Library
  • Leaving behind a favorite children’s book
  • Completing a Little Free Library bingo challenge
  • Participating in a photo challenge
  • Mapping out libraries to visit in your community

And if your kids are anything like mine, the idea of finding a tiny library tucked into a neighborhood feels a little like a treasure hunt.

Want to take it one step further and build your own?

I found this book that walks you through creating your very own Little Free Library.

Whether you visit one, donate a book, or dream up plans to build your own, this is such a fun way to celebrate reading, sustainability, and community connection with kids.

Other things…

  • This week, tickets went on sale for my Summer STEM Camp Series. If you’re in the Central Pennsylvania area, I’d love to meet your young scientists and engineers!
  • Did you know that doors can be made from mushrooms? I stumbled upon this amazing article about a Danish collaboration that aims to mass-produce doors made from the fast-growing mycelium. If this doesn’t inspire your learners to think outside the box, I don’t know what will!
  • I spent a few hours this week 3D printing keychains as thank you gifts for Career Day presenters at my kids’ school. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve designed and 3D printed simple gifts for people - I love it! You can read my full review of our printer here.

Until next week,

— Jessica

Founder of Thoughtfully Sustainable​
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Thoughtfully Sustainable

by Jessica Purcell

Are you a parent or teacher that’s looking to integrate science and sustainability concepts into your learners’ lives? I’m here to help! My name is Jessica and I’m a science teacher and mom that creates hands-on sustainability and STEM lessons for grades K-8 to cultivate critical thinking skills and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

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