It’s not a secret that schools play a huge part in shaping young minds. It starts with elementary school, and learners continue to grow both physically and mentally all the way through high school, college, and university. And it’s not always about academics, either! It’s all about creating responsible and well-rounded people who care about society and the future.
You can always positively contribute to society by being aware of environmental issues. Today, there is a huge discussion going on about the importance of caring about the environment and how people all over the world can work together for a better future. And schools actually play a huge part in shaping this part of the students’ minds.
Eco-friendly and sustainable schools can equip their students with environmental awareness and overall knowledge on how to help our planet. Of course, these types of schools are just like the regular ones in terms of the fact that you still need to do your homework and pass exams. And if you are feeling overwhelmed, look through EssayPro reviews to find academic help.
So, are you interested in learning a little bit more about the newest trend in education that can actually make a difference for our planet? Here are some of the recent sustainable practices in education that you can apply for yourself.
Sustainable infrastructure
One of the most obvious and visible aspects of eco-friendly schools is how they approach infrastructure on their territories. Green buildings are always designed with these things in mind:
- energy efficiency
- water conservation
- minimal environmental impact
For example, many colleges are starting to use renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines. Of course, students can’t just install wind turbines in their dorm rooms; such practices educate them on renewable energy technologies. And in the future, you can invest in a small solar panel that can fuel your phone or other appliances.
Waste reduction and recycling
You can only imagine how much waste a school campus can produce. This is why effective waste management practices are a huge part of every eco-friendly school.
Every college wants to minimize waste production as much as possible so it has less to dispose of. For example, some colleges try to recycle electronics, batteries, and compostable materials.
Today, more and more students try to use reusable times instead of disposable ones. It’s pretty easy in the age of electronics; you can download your book instead of buying a physical copy, for example. You might already contribute to the environment if you use one of these:
- a reusable water bottle
- your own lunch container
- paper bags instead of plastic ones
- less paper when doing your homework (or just use domymath.com)
- electronic books instead of paper textbooks, or using previously owned ones
Cafeterias are one of the most waste-producing departments in any school, so they often eliminate single-use plastics and offer reusable or compostable utensils and trays. If a school wants to go even further with environmental efforts, the administration implements zero-waste policies during huge events and even day-to-day operations.
Green transport for everybody
Not all schools have dormitories and studying quarters on the same territory. This is why it’s important to discuss how students and professors get to their classes! Lots of colleges promote the use of bicycles and public transport instead of cars, even when you carpool with other students. This is why they invest in safe bike racks and well-maintained bike paths.
If you don’t have an opportunity to get to your school by bike, you can always use public transport or a bus. School buses have been getting greener every year; for example, many districts are switching to electric or hybrid buses. If you feel like this is something that can be done at your college, you can always bring this up with the school administration.
Environmental education
It’s not enough to implement all of these incentives and programs without actually educating the students about the importance of environmental preservation. For this reason, eco-friendly schools often include environmental education in the curriculum. You can actually learn a lot about the environment across different subjects, like science or art.
Some colleges believe in promoting hands-on experiences for students who want to learn more about the environment. Here are some examples of the up-close experiences that learners can get in eco-friendly schools:
- school gardens, which give students an opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture practices, plant biology, and ecology
- outdoor classes, which help save energy and encourage students to spend more time outside
- field trips to natural parks, recycling centers, and renewable energy facilities that improve the understanding of environmental issues and sustainable practices
- carpooling initiative, which will be amazing for those students and professors who already have a car and can’t get to the school grounds by public transport
All of these experiences can even inspire learners to pursue a career in environmental science, conservation, or related fields. In any case, all of these opportunities will have a positive influence on a young mind.
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/architectural-photography-of-concrete-stair-OypnYfdiQgg
Community engagement
As you might have noticed from the previous points, almost all of the environmental efforts promote you working together with other people. This is what green practices are all about! Yes, you can make a difference on your own, but it’s always better to combine your efforts and truly change the world.
Eco-friendly schools can also serve as hubs for community education on sustainability. They can host workshops, seminars, or events focused on waste reduction, energy conservation, and sustainable living practices. Your college might also partner with local businesses, non-profits, or government agencies for a wider impact across the community.
Final Thoughts
The benefits of eco-friendly schools for individual learners and for the community in general can’t be overstated. Colleges can lead the way in sustainability, inspire other institutions to do the same, and encourage their learners to live more conscious lives in the future. So, you can also join this movement and contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet!