How to Make Your School Eco-Friendly on World Environment Day?
As the Dalai Lama once said, “It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the world in which we all live”. Celebrated annually globally on June 5, World Environment Day is a reminder of this responsibility. It motivates us to take action toward protecting our environment and promoting sustainability. Schools play a vital role in imbibing this belief system in the next generation. They have a unique opportunity to lead by example and create a positive impact on the environment. In this blog, we will explore five ways to make your school more eco-friendly and highlight the benefits of adopting sustainable practices. Additionally, we will provide some eco-friendly activities and projects for students to engage in on World Environment Day.
When is World Environment Day Celebrated?
World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5 every year. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to raise awareness and encourage action for the protection of our environment. Each year, World Environment Day focuses on a specific environmental issue, allowing individuals, communities, and organizations to come together and work towards creating a positive impact. This year’s theme is finding ways to #BeatPlasticPollution.
5 Ways to Improve Sustainability in Schools
Creating a sustainable environment in schools is vital to instill a sense of ecological responsibility in students. Here are five effective ways to improve sustainability in schools and make a positive impact on the world this World Environment Day.
1. Promote Recycling and Waste Reduction
As you know, the theme for World Environment Day 2023 is solutions to plastic pollution. In the spirit of this theme, schools can prioritize the reduction of plastic waste to make a tangible impact on the environment. Firstly, schools can encourage students and staff to minimize their plastic usage, and can even implement a zero plastics policy on campus. Next, they can actively participate in recycling initiatives, ensuring that plastic waste is properly sorted and disposed of. To achieve this, it is important to provide easily accessible recycling bins specifically designated for plastic materials throughout the school premises. Lastly, schools can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and inspire students to become responsible stewards of the environment by reducing their own waste generation. Employing Learning Management Software can be a great way to achieve this. Extramarks Smart Class Plus is a smart school solutions platform that can contribute to waste reduction by offering paperless tests and learning resources.
2. Conserve Energy and Water
Energy and water conservation are crucial aspects of creating an eco-friendly school. Choose energy-efficient lighting and appliances for the school. Install motion-sensor lighting in classrooms and common areas to ensure lights are only on when needed. Educate students and staff on the importance of turning off lights and electronics when not in use.
Water conservation can be achieved through simple measures like fixing leaky faucets and using low-flow fixtures. Additionally, you can also set up a rainwater harvesting system or a greywater treatment system to conserve water and imbibe a sense of responsibility in your students.
3. Implement Green Transportation Practices
Encourage students, staff, and parents to adopt green transportation practices such as walking, cycling, or carpooling to school. Organize initiatives like “Walking School Buses” or “Cycle to School” days to promote active and eco-friendly modes of transportation. Create designated areas for bicycle parking and ensure the school is easily accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.
4. Create Green Spaces
Introduce green spaces within the school premises to promote biodiversity and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the campus. For instance, you can plant trees, flowers, and native vegetation in school gardens or courtyards. Make sure to engage students in gardening activities, teaching them about the importance of plants in our ecosystem. Additionally, create outdoor classrooms or seating areas amidst greenery, providing students with a refreshing and environment-friendly learning environment.
5. Incorporate Sustainability into the Curriculum
Make sustainability a part of the curriculum by incorporating environmental education and awareness into various subjects. World Environment Day need not be the only occasion to teach students about the importance of environmental conservation, climate change, and sustainable practices. You can organize field trips to nature reserves or eco-parks, allowing students to observe and learn about the environment firsthand. Additionally, encourage project-based learning that focuses on sustainable solutions and environmental stewardship.
Benefits of Eco-friendly Schools
Adopting eco-friendly practices in schools brings numerous benefits. First and foremost, it instills a sense of environmental responsibility in students, helping them become conscientious global citizens. By creating a sustainable environment, schools provide students with healthier and more conducive spaces for learning. Moreover, eco-friendly practices can lead to cost savings through reduced energy and water consumption. Studying in eco-friendly schools can help students have better academic performance, improved attendance, and higher levels of engagement. By promoting sustainable practices, schools create a positive impact on students’ overall well-being and contribute to a greener future.
Eco-friendly Activities for Students on World Environment Day
Engaging students in eco-friendly activities on World Environment Day is an excellent way to make them aware of ways in which they can contribute to environmental conservation. Here are some exciting and educational activities for your students.
1. Community Clean-up Drive
Organize a community clean-up drive where students can come together to clean their school premises or a nearby park. Provide gloves, trash bags, and other necessary tools to ensure the safety and efficiency of the clean-up. This activity not only helps in creating a clean environment but also promotes teamwork and a sense of responsibility among students. In the spirit of the theme of this year’s World Environment Day, #BeatPlasticPollution, you can organize this activity with a focus on cleaning up discarded plastic waste from public spaces.
2. Tree Plantation Campaign
Conduct a tree plantation campaign on World Environment Day. Involve students in planting trees within the school premises or in collaboration with local authorities. Explain the importance of trees in mitigating climate change and improving air quality. Encourage students to take care of the planted trees and monitor their growth over time.
3. Waste Segregation Awareness Program
Organize a waste segregation awareness program where students learn about the importance of segregating waste into recyclable and non-recyclable categories. Conduct interactive sessions, presentations, and demonstrations to educate students on the correct methods of waste segregation. Encourage them to practice waste segregation not only in school but also at home.
4. Nature-themed Art and Craft Activities
Encourage students to express their creativity through nature-themed art and craft activities. Provide recycled materials such as old newspapers, cardboard, or metal bottle caps for students to create artwork that reflects their love for the environment. The activity can also be focused on reusing discarded single-use plastics like bottles or containers. Display their creations on the school premises to raise awareness among the entire school community.
5. Environmental Awareness Workshops
Invite environmental experts or guest speakers to conduct workshops on various environmental issues. Topics can include climate change, renewable energy, wildlife conservation, or sustainable agriculture. These workshops provide students with valuable insights and inspire them to take action toward environmental sustainability.
6. Composting Project
Initiate a composting project within the school to reduce organic waste and create nutrient-rich compost for the school gardens. Educate students about the composting process and involve them in collecting and composting food scraps and garden waste. This project not only reduces landfill waste but also promotes the concept of circular economy and sustainable agriculture.
7. Rainwater Harvesting System
Install a rainwater harvesting system in the school premises to collect and store rainwater for various purposes such as watering plants and flushing toilets. Involve students in understanding the importance of rainwater harvesting and maintaining the system. This project teaches students about water conservation and the efficient use of natural resources.
8. Renewable Energy Awareness Campaign
Create an awareness campaign focused on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Organize workshops or demonstrations to explain the benefits and applications of renewable energy. Encourage students to design and present their own ideas for renewable energy projects within the school or the local community.
What Role Does Extramarks Play in Supporting Schools with Environmental Ideas and Initiatives?
Extramarks Smart Class Plus, a leading school solutions provider, supports schools in setting up educational technology and infrastructure without comprimising on their sustainability goals.
Firstly, our paperless tests reduce the use of printed exams, This helps contribute to waste reduction and reduces the impact associated with paper production.
In addition to this, with the interactive digital lessons offered by Extramarks Smart Class Plus, students can access educational content without relying on printed materials. This not only conserves paper but also ensures an engaging learning experience for students.
Extramarks also provide schools with resources and tools to incorporate environmental education into their curriculum with modules like climate change and sustainable practices,
On World Environment Day, let’s take the opportunity to transform our schools into eco-friendly hubs of learning and inspiration. By implementing sustainable practices, promoting environmental education, and engaging students in eco-friendly activities and projects, we can create a greener future for future generations. Remember, small steps can make a big difference. Together, let’s make our schools more eco-friendly and nurture environmentally-conscious citizens.
FAQs
Q. How can schools contribute to waste reduction?
Ans. Schools can contribute to waste reduction by implementing recycling programs, promoting the use of reusable items, and encouraging students and staff to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Q. What are the benefits of eco-friendly schools?
Ans. Eco-friendly schools provide healthier learning environments, improve academic performance, and instill a sense of environmental responsibility in students. They also lead to cost savings through the consumption of resources.
Q. How does sustainable education contribute to a greener future?
Ans. Sustainable education equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address environmental challenges. By fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability, it empowers students to make informed choices and actively contribute to protecting the environment.
Last Updated on September 1, 2023
