As children prepare for going back to school after a yearlong absence and online classes, we are looking at a fresh beginning altogether. The parents can contribute to saving the environment by helping their kids follow certain steps like:
1) Replace disposable masks with multi-layer cotton masks
2) Stay hydrated and get steel water bottles
3) Ask them to carry hankies
4) Carry soap strips or herbal sanitizers, instead of sanitizers in bottles
5) Bring cutlery from home
6) Buy notebooks that do not have laminated covers
7) Buy newspaper pencils (not seed pencils with plastic tops)
8) Avoid using Aluminum foil for packing food items in tiffin boxes.
9) Avoid using plastic tiffin/lunch boxes to send food to school.
Another important principle for environmental conservation is - “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.” This Principle we can implement at school level, collaborating with teachers by following simple practices like:
• Teachers, staff, and students can begin to reduce use through duplex printing • Teachers and students can only print what is absolutely necessary • Teachers can begin to assign work that does not need to be written • Teachers can use a smartboard or chalkboard to deliver written instructions • Students can submit assignments digitally rather than in print.
Students can collect paper scraps and turn them into note-pads • Students and staff can create a paper supply exchange for notebooks and other paper products which is no longer in use • The student art clubs can turn old homework into papier Mache materials, recycled beads, and more.
• Students and staff can collect and recycle old homework • Students can host a paper recycling competition to determine see grade level can collect the most paper • The school can host a recycled paper drive for the community and weighs the final amount collected • The school can start purchasing paper made from recycled paper.
Besides the above, parents can help children look at the bigger picture and help them cultivate good green habits like conserving energy, water and fuel. Post covid times should be different and better regarding environmental awareness.
As adults:
1. We know that cutting energy usage in buildings reduces energy load on power plants, reducing carbon emissions and other environmental impacts of power generation.
2. We know that cutting water usage in buildings reduces aquifer depletion, protects freshwater habitats and reduces the energy used to treat and transport water.
3. We know that reducing waste going to landfill saves open land for habitat and other purposes and reduces water and soil contamination. We also know that the effort of reducing landfill waste encourages direct reuse and puts more material in the recycling stream.
4. We know that reducing car trips made by a single rider cut back on carbon emissions from transportation. So, carpooling to schools or using school buses is better.
Let's incorporate these practices into real life and our daily chores. To reduce environmental impact, we can reduce energy and water use, cut back on fossil fuel used in transportation, reduce waste headed to landfill and thereby protect natural habitats. By practicing these actions, we will influence humans and the Earth positively.
About Organo Et School (OES)
We recognize that for any positive impact to be sustainable, it must be long-term and inter-generational. Organo Et School strives to create an apt learning environment that will support and empower families as well as individuals to embrace sustainable living mindsets and habits.
Organo Et School is a learning initiative set up by Organo in 2017 and has been facilitating field visits and workshops for Schools and Interest Groups. Organo Et School has had over 25+ schools, 6000+ students and 2500+ adults participate over the last 4 years. We believe in connecting children & adults with nature.
Please send your queries to us at oes@organo.co.in and by phone 9154100775 today!
