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A greener school can prove to be a happier and healthier school!
For many of us, school is a second home, since we spend half our days there. It is integral that the school community is a comfortable and safe space for both students and staff. Therefore the school should also consider the wellbeing of the local community; flora, fauna and all.
With the effects of climate change exacerbating, it’s natural for a lot of us to feel helpless or even scared for the future. And if you’re not worried about climate change, here’s a quick fact: experts predict that the worst effects of climate change will be irreversible by 2030. Scared yet? While the fate of the planet largely lies in the hands of the government and corporations, we as a community can still make changes in our lives to ensure that future generations don’t have to suffer so much.
One of the ways we can ensure that our community is considerate about others and the environment is to work to be sustainable.
1. Reduce the need to use electricity: Open the blinds! Letting natural light in will also allow the lights to be switched off, which can conserve energy. Several studies have shown that natural light improves concentration and boosts mental health. It’s a win-win situation.
2. Grow a garden: Having students grow their own gardens has many benefits, both towards the environment and for the students. Some of the benefits include team building skils, connection to nature and the ability to grow your own food, which is much healthier than store-bought! Overall, gardening can be used as a tool for learning as well as promoting sustainable lifestyles. There are a number of produce that can be easily grown in a garden such as potatoes, tomatoes and peppers.
3. Eat healthier and more sustainably: Encouraging the school and the community to buy locally grown produce and even growing their own food can be both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. A few eco-friendly stores close by/ in the area you can shop at are realfoodmarket.info, jacksonsrealfoodmarket.co.za and therefillery.co.za .
4. Vegetation, vegetation, vegetation! : During the summer months, we tend to switch the AC on, which actually contributes a lot to global warming due to the amount of energy it consumes. Finding cooling alternatives can save tons of energy. We could do this by having vegetation on our roofs or use trees to shade us from the sun. Holding certain events where different classrooms or grades can plant their own trees and watch them grow can be great team-building activities. Trees and other vegetation are much more efficient at cooling cities through shade and evapotranspiration. Numerous studies have also shown that trees can improve mental health and even concentration, which is something we need at school.
5. Recycling/reusing: Unfortunately, schools tend to create a lot of waste. Schools can tackle this problem by recycling school supplies, such as plastic, paper and electronics. Using recycling bins can help make the process of recycling items easier and E-waste can also be donated in order to be recycled, it’s also important to know where the waste is going to make sure that the waste is actually processed efficiently. Reducing the number of supplies we use when possible can also limit our waste production. Digitizing notes or using less paper and switching to online alternatives can greatly reduce the need for more paper.
There are a lot of ways we can keep our community sustainable whilst keeping the members comfortable and happy. By now, it’s clear that a sustainable and green school environment can raise determined and content students, teachers and staff.
