Lessons Learned: The Guardian Explores Greener Schooling
by Treehugger Interns on 07. 2.06
Treehugger has reported previously here, here and here on the UK based Guardian/Observer newspaper and its increased focus on sustainability. Another offering last week saw the publication taking on the subject of sustainability in schools. As part of their weekly Education section, an 8 page supplement entitled “Going Green – How to Become a Sustainable School” tackled everything from renewable energy to sustainable travel plans for pupils. Greener computer equipment, more efficient buildings, waste reduction, and awareness raising amongst pupils were also explored. Not all of the articles appear to be available online, but their website does feature a very interesting article by Lucie Carrington on the challenge of building greener schools. Amongst other highlights was a useful list of resources for teachers including the excellent eco-schools website, details of an award from Toyota of £15,000 to registered green schools, and information on Groundwork, a charity dedicated to transforming school grounds into sustainable outdoor spaces for learning and fun. It certainly looks like the UK’s education system is finally making some significant moves towards a greener future, and the Guardian is intent on supporting it. [Written by: Sami Grover]
This is a really good effort. Hope other schools also takes this initiative as what would be the best stage to develop careness for enviroment other thn as a child. It should happen at school level.
The Guardian is very focussed on Green. Not only has there been this series of articles, but each week in the Observer Magazine there are a number of pages of "green" info and discussion, even a "what's in / what's out" element, which is really interesting to read.
They're also encouraging greater knowledge of the environment with posters of key things such as garden birds, seashells, plants etc. (Although I"m not convinced by the squid one!!! Not something you see all of the time)
On the school front, there was an announcement some time ago (months) that all UK schools had to be carbon neutral by 2012. They are going to have a big challenge though - too many parents take their parents to school in great big 4*4s.... Having said that, school is a great place to learn, especially if parents are encouraged to participate and understand what's happening as well.