BEE Projects
Projects
Hampden Meadows Books: Turning Leaves Initiative
September 2025-Ongoing
We are partnering with Hampden Meadows School, using grant funding from the New England Grassroots Environment Fund, to provide environmentally themed books to their students. The goal of this project is to foster environmental awareness among young students. Our donation was approved by the School Council, and we are in the process of book selection and purchase with Hampden Meadows educator input. Thank you to Hampden Meadows for collaborating with us on this initiative!
Composting in Barrington
June 2023-Ongoing
We have started a public compost drop-off where residents of Barrington can drop off their food scraps, which are then taken to a local farm to be composted. This diverts food waste from the landfill where it releases carbon dioxide. BEE member Sabine Cladis and BEE founder Emma Pautz gained approval from the Town Hall to construct a new compost drop-off location in June of 2023. After building and designing the station over the summer, the Barrington Environmental Establishment declared it ready for use in December. In 30+ weeks of operation, we have collected over 4000 pounds of compost and counting!
Press:
Barrington students spearhead new compost drop-off, New compost drop-off site opening soon in Barrington
Sapling Sale
2022-Ongoing
In 2022, 2023, and 2024, we organized sapling sales that resulted in 1,033 saplings being planted across Barrington. By planting these saplings, we've collectively offset around 1,235 tons of carbon emissions. From September to May each year, we have gone door-to-door, posted on Facebook, and reached out to members of the community. Itâs been a hands-on way to contribute to a healthier planet, one tree at a time. Most of all though, we have been able to physically see our impact: walking throughout Barrington, it has been gratifying to see our saplings flourishing.
Press:
BHS students selling saplings to off-set school paper use, BHS students hold sapling sale to offset schoolsâ paper use
Legislative Proposals
Early 2024
In March and April of 2024, the founders of the Barrington Environmental Establishment (BEE) advocated for several legislative proposals, including the Act on Coats, the Rhode Island Bottle Bill, and the Microplastics Bill. Our goal was to provide an underrepresented student perspective, which we believe is crucial in shaping policy that directly impacts our future. Throughout the project, we have been supported by Representative Boylan, Senator Lauria, amongst other politicians and local leaders. BHS students selling saplings to off-set school paper use, BHS students hold sapling sale to offset schoolsâ paper use
Press:
Testimony on Act on Coasts, Testimony on Rhode Island Bottle Bill, Testimony on Microplastics Bill, Article on Act on Coasts
School Reconstruction
August 2024-Ongoing
The Barrington Environmental Establishment (BEE) has been a strong advocate for incorporating environmentally friendly measures into the school reconstruction project. We have voiced our concerns and suggestions at five school committee meetings and two town hall meetings, emphasizing the need for solar panels, geothermal energy, and greater transparency in the project. As a result of our efforts, the school committee has begun discussions on environmental initiatives and is now considering the installation of solar panels at the high school. While the reconstruction plans have yet to fully align with our environmental vision, we remain hopeful that our advocacy will prompt greater attention to the climate crisis and drive more sustainable practices in future developments.