We live in a beautiful world that provides generous resources for our existence. We believe that the resources on the earth are finite and must be Conserved for future generations. Learning how to conserve, how our choices and behaviors impact the environment, and understanding how we all can individually make a difference in preserving the earth is a critical part of our program. Youth will have the opportunity to apply concepts and see them in action on a daily basis at our facility.
Our program is unique and innovative. When we call ourselves a "Green" Residential Treatment Center, we mean it. We have plans for continued changes but we are working every day to become greener and greener. Youth have the unique opportunity to not only have green curriculum and be taught about conservation, but to live in a facility and program that is daily striving to do our part to help the environment. All residents will be expected to do their part. One of our favorite places on this web site is our projects page where we list the current and future projects we are working on. Many of these projects will have environmental ramifications.
From the beginning when we started Daybreak Canyon we wanted to do things right. We repainted the whole interior of the lodge using low VOC paint and it made a great difference. Wherever we could, we have reused furniture or tried to buy furniture made out of green materials. In our new location, we are on the grid, but the challange remains to become greener and greener! We look forward to continued work in this area and are excited to have your son's input and we also welcome any ideas from youth or parents on how we can do better. Below are some of the additional things we have in place right now for Daybreak Canyon.
Daybreak Canyon will actively compost waste items that can be composted. The compost we make will be used in our garden and other landscaping projects around the campus.
Daybreak Canyon actively recycles all recyclable waste. We will strive to be a conscientious consumer and attempt to purchase only those items that can be either recycled or composted. Daybreak Canyon will limit its use of disposable goods that can't be re-used.
In the spring we will have a large garden that youth will help tend. The food we grow will be the food they eat. In addition there are plans to build a greenhouse so that we can raise produce year round (see our projects page). Youth will play an active role in planning, planting, tending, and harvesting produce.
Our goal as a program is to replace or supplemet our grid power with renewable energy sources. Youth will be involved at every step as we plan, build, implement, and maintain the different systems. Youth will have the opportunity to not only live in a facility that is operated by renewable energy sources but they will be able to play an active role and be able to learn hands on how to do it.