Schools are socially responsible organizations. They have a major role to play in reducing the carbon footprint of humans on this earth in addition to preparing the next generation as an environmentally responsible community. If you are thinking of the ways in which your school can contribute to reducing its carbon footprint, here are some tips for you to implement.
Prepare to compost using organic wastes
Make a composting pit to prepare to compost using all the non-animal based organic wastes from your school kitchen. This will be a good quality compost you can use for your school garden. It is also possible to pack them up and sell to parents. You can easily make compose bins or you can purchase them from garden centers. Students can also be made to learn to compost which will be a great opportunity for them.
Recycle the used items
Place recycle bins at various places in the school. Educate the children on the importance of recycling the used things. Display posters on what can go into which bin to let the students know if they are unsure. Make use of the old furniture to make new furniture and wherever possible, donate them to other needy people or institutions. Also, implement ways to recycle electronic devices properly.
Minimize the energy waste
Enhance the insulation of your school building so that you use lesser energy to heat it or cool it. If possible, go for motion senor lighting that can help reduce the electricity consumed especially when lights are likely to be left on in places unused.
Shift to renewable power
A lot of schools these days install solar panels to harvest solar energy. This will help reduce or replace the dependency on the conventional power that will need a lot of carbon emission to produce. This can save a lot of money for the school in the long run. Schools can also think of selling away the additional energy they have in surplus to make some extra income.
Order for local foods for school programs
While placing orders for foods during school programs, source them from nearby places so that you save on the freight emissions and also take a step forward to support your local economy.
Work on your buying habits
Review what you purchase for your school needs and find out if there are any green alternatives to the supplies you source. Go for recycled paper. Purchase that equipment that will use up lesser energy to produce. Purchase from firms that use energy-efficient vehicles to supply their goods.
Make the school premises an eco-friendly set up
Encourage the staff and students to walk or ride their bicycles to reach the school. A significant number of vehicles we see on the roads in the mornings and evenings are making school trips. By walking or cycling, the students and staff will become healthier as well as learn about their local areas in a better manner. This practice will also help reduce the carbon footprint of your school on the whole.
