TINY FOOTSTEPS TO SUSTAINABILITY SCHOOLS & COLLEGES

“Sustainability is a key to our survival on this planet earth and will also determine success on all levels”.

Sustainability practices should need to start from tiny footsteps. Our previous editions of eMagazine have included sustainable practices within homes, offices, and working areas. In this edition, we are discussing sustainable practices that can be followed in schools and colleges.

Schools have many opportunities to follow and promote sustainability, whether by setting an example or providing education on the topic. In addition, educational establishments can help students to turn into environmentally responsible citizens.

Ecological Sustainability

In a school setting, ecological sustainability is often taught through environmental education and by introducing eco-friendly teaching practices into school life daily. This is done by implementing a comprehensive approach and incorporating ecological themes into various school subjects.

Social Sustainability

Academics and the learning atmosphere needs to provide clarity on social sustainability factors. The important ones are cultural diversity, global citizenship, anti-racism, human rights, school environment, democracy, equality, justice, and community.

Economic Sustainability

The most significant impact that schools can have when it involves economic sustainability lies in saving energy and natural resources. Schools and educational institutions can educate students to become more aware and thoughtful about their surroundings. To promote ecological and economic sustainability, schools can use eco-friendly stationery items.

There are many steps that we can consider while switching to sustainable practices in academic institutions, few are listed below;

· Analysing current operating system and choosing eco-friendly options available

· Conducting brainstorming sessions for students for green ideas

· Planting trees and crops

· Installing bio-compost systems for students to manage

· Awareness sessions on climate control and greenhouse emissions

· Encouraging students to refuse/recycle non-biodegradable materials

· Endorsing healthy and sustainable living practices

· Switching to green infrastructure for school constructions

Sustainable practices in schools and colleges can be implemented through accountable participation of students, staff and parents who hold shared values and beliefs about the importance of taking action for a healthier, fairer, more environmentally sustainable society.

CHECK THESE OUT!

• Does your school follow environmental, social, cultural, and economic values?

• Is sustainable development part of your school’s strategic plan?

• Does your school’s student code of conduct include environmental responsibility?

• Are you familiar with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

• Does your school’s stationery buying option include environmentally and socially responsible products?

• Does your school has a platform for learning sustainable practices?

• Does your school has a sustainable development representative?

Share with us your school stories on sustainable practices on sree@wegrowforest.org

A holistic view of sustainability in schools Sustainability in schools is mainly based on the teaching methods and also the atmosphere in the school. These sustainability practices can be started from the school itself; the sustainability ideas and techniques should not be limited to some topics only. It should also extend beyond the four walls of the classroom. Sustainable ideas should be promoted through green classrooms by fostering a green consciousness. Educators have the chance to inspire their students to make a difference locally and globally.

Connect With Nature

Cultivate a way of wonder and curiosity within the students by incorporating nature into all content areas. By allowing students to spend time in nature, they’re going to feel more connected to the planet and find out how to advocate for it. Inspect these nature-based lesson plans to bring the training into the classroom. In the next edition of our eMagazine, we will be introducing some simple steps that can be done in schools and the children’s participation. This will help them to learn more about sustainability and also help them follow it.

To know more about We Grow Forest Foundation please visit our website https://wegrowforest.org/ or contact us at on 9778411911 or email at us plant@wegrowforest.org