Sustainable Schools

At Eco Communities, we are hyper-focused on fostering sustainability in the community. One way we do this by empowering schools in our area to take meaningful action. Our initiatives are designed to support both eco friendly schools and community sustainability projects, providing the resources and support necessary to drive positive change for the environment. Together we can make a difference.

Eco-Friendly Schools: Ideas to Consider

Eco-friendly schools are an element of sustainability action in the community that provides the most hope for the future. We regularly work with local schools and discuss ways they can take a step towards fostering a greater culture of sustainability among students and teachers, as well as the wider community.

During our time working closely with schools, we’ve found an open and receptive audience — a generation of young people who are passionate about the planet and are willing to do their part. Here are a few practical eco-friendly schools ideas that can help schools become more environmentally friendly and promote sustainability practices.

Waste Reduction:

  • Promote Zero Waste: Surfers Against Sewage, one of our partners, runs Plastic Free Schools which gives the power to the pupils by enabling them to push fellow students, staff, and parents to prioritise zero-waste wherever possible.
  • Recycling Stations: Kids are passionate about recycling. If you set up clearly marked recycling areas around the school, students and staff will do their part.
  • Composting: The introduction of a composting program for any organic waste on site can help enrich the soil and minimise wastage.

Greener School Initiatives:

  • School Gardens: Creating a blossoming garden on-site can teach students about biodiversity, food production, and the importance of green spaces.
  • Tree Planting: You can organise tree-planting events to improve air quality while acting as a living lesson in science and the environment.
  • Biodiversity Projects: Consider creating habitats on your grounds for local wildlife to thrive. This can include birdhouses, insect hotels, and ponds — to emphasise the benefits of biodiversity. For more information, see Chester Zoo’s Wildlife Connection Schools Project.
  • Alternative Food Options: By sourcing more local foods and normalising the offering of more vegetarian and plant based options as standard on the menu, schools can further reduce their impact.

Eco-Education and Engagement:

  • Environmental Education: Integrate sustainability topics into school activities where possible. By offering hands-on learning experiences you can make the process more engaging and, ultimately, more fun.
  • Eco Clubs: Eco clubs are becoming popular among schools and students alike. Pupils can participate in environmental projects and awareness campaigns, including recycling drives and community clean-ups. For more information see the Keep Britain Tidy Eco Schools programme.

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Testimonial

‘Eco Communities visited The Heath School to deliver a talk on climate change and sustainability to over 250 Year 8 students as part of our ‘Climate Change’ Learn for Life Day. Her presentation was informative, inspiring, and well-pitched for our students. Helen captured their attention from start to finish, helping them to understand the real-world impact of their choices and actions. Students left the session with a clearer awareness of environmental issues and practical takeaways about reducing single-use plastics and improving recycling habits. We’re grateful for Helen’s time, passion, and expertise in supporting our students to become more environmentally conscious citizens’

Melissa, Heath School, Runcorn

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

– Margaret Mead

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As of 2022, 16 million UK citizens reported taking part in formal or informal volunteering at least once a month. Join in and do your part for sustainability in the community you live.
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In 2023, the United Kingdom’s total territorial emissions were estimated at around 384 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2e). More change is needed.
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71% of UK-based students surveyed between 2019-2021 stated that they would be interested in learning more about the environment if their school offered it.
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51% of students who took part in the same survey stated that they would like to be actively involved with projects or activities that could help the environment.

The Importance of Individual Sustainability Efforts

Community sustainability projects are a huge part of the work we do — since they are vital for fostering environmental stewardship and resilience sentiments at the local level. These kinds of initiatives are perfect for bringing people together to work hand-in-hand towards a common goal that benefits both the environment and the community at large. Here are a few key reasons why sustainability in the community can be so important:

Community sustainability projects encourage collaboration and collective action, strengthening bonds among social group members. Whether it’s a local clean up, creating a green space, or a recycling program in an area, these sorts of projects can create opportunities for people to come together, share knowledge, and work towards their shared vision of a sustainable tomorrow.

Participating in sustainability projects can help raise awareness about environmental issues. By engaging in group action, you can increase awareness and inspire individuals and groups to adopt more sustainable practices in their daily lives and advocate for broader environmental initiatives.

Community action can serve as a practical demonstration of sustainable living. Worthwhile and visible projects with an environmental slant can provide valuable learning opportunities and experiences that can inspire other individuals and communities to look to adopt similar practices.

Regular involvement with sustainability in the community will encourage greater civic engagement and a sense of responsibility towards the local environment. When a person sees the positive outcomes of their efforts, and those of their peers, they will be more likely to participate in other community activities, driving long-term systemic change.

The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope.

Wendell Berry

What’s On

If getting out there and taking part in activities promoting sustainability in the community are at the forefront of your mind, you’re in the right place. We routinely work with eco groups and schools and collaborate on projects and activities that will make a difference in our area. Get in touch and find out more about how you can help, or check out our calendar of upcoming events.

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