Words by Tess Becker
Ways to fight pollution and climate change can emerge from anywhere, for instance, most recently in a new fleet of electric school buses.
The big yellow school buses are going green in Broward County, Florida, with electric school buses soon to take to the streets. Buses help transport about 54,000 students a day in Broward, who will benefit from this green alternative.
“When these electric buses hit Broward County roads in the 2023/24 school year, our district will be operating the largest fleet of electric buses in the state and, most significantly, taking an important step toward providing a healthier environment for all of us,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Earlean Smiley in a statement. “This great accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Power & Light Company.”
The school district will be adding 60 electric buses to their fleet thanks to a $14.8 million grant from the state's Department of Environmental Protection. The new fleet will be made up of 72-passenger vehicles - the same capacity as their gas-powered counterparts.
The district also installed charging stations at bus terminals to make sure that the buses stay fully charged.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Beacon Food Forest. This is one of the largest food forests in the country. Find out more and support them here.
Cultural Survival. They are an indigenous-led nonprofit focused on empowering indigenous Americans and helping the planet. Find out more.
American Forests. A conservation organization focused on preserving and protecting American forests. Support them here.
