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ASSIGNMENT
Write a reflective piece on how sustainability is practiced in your local area and how you would engage your pupils to explore this further. Post your reflective piece (150 words min) to this forum as a Reply to this post.
Please comment on at least one other post. -
I am very interested in sustainability and finding ways to sustain processes over time and not deplete natural resources. I think children today are more aware of the environment and if they are taught these terms and processes from an early age it will make them more aware when they make food choices and also encourage them to carry the information home to their families.
I would like my children to research the effects of non-sustainability such as global warming and its effect on our environment, animals and human development. I would have the children look at the effect of global warming on wildlife and identify animals that have become extinct due to using non-sustainable processes.
I feel the children would be very interested to learn about salmon, shellfish and seaweed farming and how these methods have a low carbon footprint.
I would be interested to arrange a school tour to the beach in Carlingford and investigate if there are any organised tours locally that brings sustainability to life. I also think a trip to the supermarket investigating the sustainable labels on foods would make an excellent tour and one that may be able to be organised through ‘farm to fork’ initiatives.-
Hi Michelle, I agree that hands on learning is more effective. Field trips where the children buddy up and looking for particular items generates lots of excitement in my class. From previous years I recall how engaged children were when there were different workshops were arranged in the school. Consequently, I imagine they would adore a visit from ARC!
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Hi Darera,
I Agree, the hands on learning is so memorable and we all remember lessons where we were hands on. I was lucky to experience the ARC in Carlingford three weeks ago. My children were in awe of it and as a result we got fish and chips on the way home. We live on the island of Ireland and it’s so important for us to teach the future adults about what we have learned on this great course.
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Hi Michelle, I feel strongly that young children should be taught about sustainability and what they can do to help. Sometimes the children feel that they can’t make a difference but by encouraging them to make simple changes such as turning off lights/ not littering/ recycling etc it gives them the power. I find that if it starts in infants by the time they get to 6th they automatically work and think about sustainability.
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Our school is located directly across from the ocean and we regularly arrange for different classes to go and clean up and pick up the rubbish from the beach. We also encourage car pooling and walking or cycling to school if possible. It is important that children are aware of what the term carbon footprint really means and how they can try and reduce theirs if possible. If we start with this at school, hopefully they will chat to their family about the importance of keeping our carbon footprint lower. Making sure that the children are aware of sustainability in food is also so important. Bringing food packaging into class and examining the different labels on the packs and looking them up online would be a great lesson for the children. They could then do a project on the different sustainable food labels and symbols and the importance of checking what we buy and eat from the supermarket. This would also transfer to their homes and hopefully influence their food shopping. We also have a vegetable patch at school and the children plant and take care of it during the year. They can see that it is possible to grow food yourself and not have to purchase everything at the supermarket.
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Hi Cathriona!
We unfortunately don’t live near the ocean but we too arrange different classes to pick up litter in the locality. We also encourage children that live close to the school to walk or cycle to school. I think what’s important is to teach children that we all have to take responsibility for our environment and locality and that there are many things we can do to sustain our local environment. Reduce consumption especially plastic bottles and toys. reuse bottles, pick up litter provided it’s safe. Recycle correctly and teach others about it’s important.
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Hi Cathriona,
It sounds like your school is in a very beautiful place. I have started picking up rubbish from the beach when I go for a walk. Much of it brought in from the sea. Another project that your pupils might be interested in is what can be created from Food waste. We used cabbage and tomato seeds to grow more – it required some work but the students loved it!
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When I was at school we were encouraged to walk or carpool to school and it has stayed with me ever since. For example, if going to the local shop nine times out of ten I will walk. I think this shows the important role that teachers have in being influential on their pupils in terms of sustainability.
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There is a big emphasis on sustainability in our school. The following is a list of initiatives that take place in our school to educate the children on and promote sustainability:
- Green Schools – we have achieved a number of Green Flags and have an active Green Schools committee
- Our World Irish Aid Awards – the children in 5th class take part in the Irish Aid Awards that focus on a particular theme from the Sustainable Development Goals each year
- SDGs – children from 3rd – 6th classes complete lessons on the SDGs every year
- Energy Free 15 – We have a weekly energy free 15 minutes where all lights, taps, switches, laptops etc. are turned off to save energy
- Link with tidy towns – the school links with tidy towns on beach clean ups, village clean ups, guest speakers etc.
- Local Environmental Groups – the school links with local groups that have come in to chat the chidlren about sustainablity, looking after our waterways – children have gone on field trips to the local river to explore the flora and fauna there.
- Bike Week – children are encouraged to cycle to school and walk where possible
- Food packaging – children in the senior end examine food labels and learn about the Bord Bia Quality Mark, Fairtrade etc.
- School Garden – we grow potatoes, carrots, lettuce and other plants in our school garden and the children are very involved in this process.
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Hi Gráinne,
There is a lot of good sustainable practices going on in your school, and I think you have given me some ideas for our school next year. I think it would be possible to collect plastic bottles form homes where they do not bring them back, and recycle them to supermarkets and it would be a fundraiser too.
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Hi Grainne, Your school’s commitment to sustainability is impressive. The Green Schools program, SDG lessons and Energy Free 15 highlight a strong focus on environmental education and activism. Initiatives like beach clean-ups, local environmental group partnerships and the school garden offer hands-on learning experiences. Encouraging cycling during Bike Week and examining food labels further integrate sustainability into daily life. These efforts not only educate but also empower students to make environmentally conscious choices. It’s clear that sustainability is deeply embedded in your school’s ethos. There are some great ideas here that I look forward to incorporating in my practise this year. Thank you 🙂
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Hi Grainne, thank you so much for listing these initiatives. We are really hoping to aim for our Green School’s flag this school year, it is a great way to show children the impact of their ecological footprint. The idea of having the Green Schools committee is great for not only implementing the ideas of the school but also to give the children roles and responsibilities relating to sustainability.
I am hoping to share some of your other ideas with my staff as they seem like they would be of huge benefit to our school. Thank you.
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Sustainability is practiced widely in our school and local area.
– WOW/BOW days: Walk on Wednesday/ Bike on Wednesday is a whole school initiative where the children are encouraged not to come to school by car. The classes collect points if they use the initiative and the winning class per term will receive a prize from the principal. The prize is often sustainable as well such as a walk to our local café for hot chocolate etc.
– Polytunnel: Our 2 ASD’s classes plant, grow and sell lots of different produce from our school polytunnel. Teachers and parents support their sales and the money is used for resources for their classrooms.
– Green school’s committee + student council: When we were awarded the hot lunch scheme this year our in school committees came together to ensure we had proper bin/disposal facilities for the new food coming in. These were presented in assembly and are uniform over each classroom to ensure everyone is on the same page!
We are aware that there is always room for growth and development in these areas and one thing that has struck me across all modules on this course is teaching children to be label aware. I wonder could our student council create posters for display on what the different food labels show and represent. We could have a ‘trolley dash’ with some of our senior children to find Irish, local, sustainable products as suggested in a previous module. Some of our middle classes could create meals from the produce we grow in our polytunnel, over July provision this year we made crisps from our potatoes and the children were surprised by how easy the process was. We are lucky to live near a town with a thriving farmer’s market scene and I wonder would some of our local people visit us to show how their products are created sustainably.
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Being from Longford, we do not have lovely seas or aquaculture. However, sustainability has been embedded into various aspects of life in the County. In recent years the council has published two sustainable tourism strategies, more recently County Longford Tourism Strategy 2023-2027. This strategy focuses on promoting Longford as a year-round destination that respects and preserves its natural and heritage assets. One of the key aspects include the development of sustainable tourism along the waterways as the Royal Canal, Shannon and Lough Ree flows through the county in addition to Glen Lake outside Edgeworthstown and various peat and wet lands, encouraging visitors to engage in eco-friendly activities while appreciating the local environment
Moreover, the Tidy Towns competition has seen significant participation from Longford, with 15 towns and villages actively involved. This initiative not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our communities but also fosters a sense of environmental stewardship among residents.
In my school, the Green Schools Initiative plays a pivotal role in instilling sustainable practices among pupils. This student-led program encourages schools to adopt long-term environmental management strategies, promoting actions such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and biodiversity enhancement. By embedding these practices into the curriculum, pupils develop a deeper understanding of their environmental impact and learn practical ways to mitigate it. -
Hi Colm, great to hear that your school is highly involved in the Green Schools initiative. It is a green incentive to get students involved in sustainability and create more environmental awareness. You mentioned you are from Longford and the rivers are just as important as our seas so it’s great to see Longford tourism strategy is preserving and promoting your rivers and lakes in your local area.
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With sea levels rising and weather patterns changing, my local community is currently focusing on protecting its coastline from erosion. This has involved planting marram grass in sand dunes to prevent further erosion. Children from the local primary schools have been invited to participate in the process. Our local primary school also takes great pride in their school garden where they have grown various vegetables.
Reducing pollution, especially from plastic waste and agricultural runoff, is critical to preserving our coastal and marine environment. Community and school clean-up initiatives and sustainable fishing practices are constantly promoted.
I would like to take the pupils on a trip to a local supermarket or ask them to do this with their parents to play a game of “Eye Spy” to identify sustainable products, particularly seafood in the supermarket.
In addition to this I believe children would benefit from field trips to local farms where pupils can see sustainable aquaculture in action.
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Hi Roisin,
In Galway city, at salthill beach, they have long lines of heavy boulders which are used for the same purpose, to slow down coastal erosion by breaking up the waves and reducing their strength. An interesting case is in Raven woods in Wexford where they are trying to restore the dunes around Curacloe beach in order to reduce the effects of coastal erosion on the woods.
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I always think that its a great idea to talk about the effects on the environment of non-sustainable activities as I find the kids are so empathetic towards animals and this is when it hits home with them that the things that we do have consequences – we have to be careful though as they sometimes find this upsetting too.
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Sustainability is a more common term nowadays in comparison to when I was growing up. I think children today are more aware that we need to mind our planet and keep it for future generations. Raising the awareness of becoming more sustainable amongst the population will hopefully slow the increase of global warming. The links included in this module – The Red List of Threatened species, Carbon Footprint report of the Irish Seafood Sector and the Origin Green link can all be used in the classroom and promote further discussion and teaching topics. As we are lucky enough to be located close to a harbour, which is a hive of activity between the marina, fishing, commercial and ships, I will definitely look into organising a school outing/talk to give the children an opportunity to learn more about being more sustainable and aquaculture. I didn’t know about the difference between MSC and the ASC labels awarded to seafood so I found that particularly interesting.
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I am fortunate to live by the coast where ‘adopt a patch of beach’ has been active for fifteen years. Locals, schools and various groups pick up litter and maintain small areas along the beach. It proves the point ‘in unity, there is strength.
I try to use ‘discreet’ learning and sometimes not so discreet learning to encourage sustainability in the classroom and by extension, the surrounds – using scrape paper to draw on, use of recycling bins in the classroom, switching off all lights and equipment when not in the classroom. The school established a gardening club which is extremely active, taking the message out of the classroom and into the garden. The impact on the children has been far more potent. Much effort has been put into planting vegetable beds and the choice of plants to attract pollinators. The children are putting into practice ‘from field to fork’. We want the garden to be a sustainable entity, so a roster has been set up for the summer months, to maintain our wormery with the view, to generating our own compost for the plants. Also, as a school, in an attempt to promote and sustain biodiversity, we placed bug ‘hotels’ at various locations, over the past few years. This year we went further and participated in ‘No mow May’.
We lead by example so hopefully we are instilling a sense of responsibility in the children.-
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Hi Dareca,
I love the idea of the gardening club, it can have so many benefits to children, not only not just through learning about gardening and being sustainable but I think getting children gardening with nature is great for their well being also! It’s certainly something they’ll always remember about their time in primary school. So active and hands on!
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Awh love that you ‘adopt’ a part of the beach and look after it. We too have a gardening club and use lots of up-cycled items in the garden and around the school. We too have the Green Schools with a focus on reduce reuse recycle and with regard to the hand towel dispensers we’ve adopted a motto ‘two will do’ – two clicks of the paper towel dispenser is enough to dry hands.
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I live in an urban apartment complex with a nearby park that offers a unique perspective on sustainability. Despite the hustle and bustle of city life, there are numerous ways in which sustainability is woven into the fabric of our community. Recycling Programs: Our apartment complex has an organized recycling program that encourages residents to separate waste. There are clearly labeled bins for paper, plastic, glass, and organic waste. This initiative reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfills and promotes the recycling of materials (apart from confusion/anger over the deposit scheme!) Water Conservation: Low-flow fixtures and regular maintenance checks help in conserving water. How I would integrate this with my students is through interactive lessons, field trips, gardening, projects, guest speakers.
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Have a similar living situation myself, and what I’ve noticed recently is the local children are calling around to collect cans and bottles for the re-turn scheme, as a method of them collecting money for charity/ their local sports club. A fantastic way of creating sustainability awareness among the young while also contributing to good causes!
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Sustainability is vital for protecting our resources to use, but also protecting the environment and the species which live on our planet. I have never heard of the 3 pillars and how these principles provide a framework to evaluate sustainability for people. Seaweed farming has become more popular across Ireland in recent years. It is commonly used in cosmetics or spa treatments because of the great qualities it offers. It has become a fast growing industry. Introducing the children to this versatile product will give them the opportunity to get a better understanding of how important our oceans are and how we can become more sustainable in order to keep them for future generations. Introducing the children to the different labels associated with sustainability – MSC and ASC will allow them the opportunity to keep an eye out for these when in supermarkets and make better choices. I thought the slide with the links of threatened species interesting and will be bringing that back to the classroom. These links are great starter points for discussion on sustainability.
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You’re absolutely spot on about the importance of sustainability for our resources and the environment. It’s good to see you talking about seaweed farming too, it’s amazing how it’s taking off in Ireland. Bringing this knowledge to kids is brilliant, especially, as you mentioned, with those MSC and ASC labels.
They need to learn how their choices can make a difference. And using the links on threatened species as a discussion starter in the classroom is a smart idea.
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Living in a country that hopefully is increasingly its value on sustainability, I’ve see various practices that aim to reduce our environmental impact and promote a more sustainable future. Examples such as recycling programmes (including the recent bottle/can recycling programme) ensure that waste is minimised and resources are reused. Community allotments where residents can grow their own vegetables and fruits. These gardens not only promote local food production and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food, but they also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for the environment. Finally, renewable energy projects including solar panels on homes/public buildings and incentives for homeowners to install their own, have also been a significant step forward.
Examples of engaging young pupils in sustainability include: 1. Establishing school gardens where students can plant, nurture, and harvest their own crops can teach them about food sources, the importance of local produce, and the basics of sustainable agriculture. 2.Arranging field trips to local recycling centers, renewable energy plants, or community gardens. Seeing sustainability in action can leave a lasting impression and make learning concepts more realistic. 3. Encourage students to create art from recyclable materials. This not only teaches the value of reusing resources but also stimulates creativity and problem-solving.
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I agree. Engaging students in sustainability can be very effective. School gardens teach about local produce and sustainable agriculture. Field trips to recycling centers and renewable energy plants show sustainability in action. Creating art from recyclables encourages creativity and teaches the importance of reusing resources.
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I feel the introduction of the carbon footprint to the class would be great at raising awareness to sustainability and how we can contribute to this. Shellfish farming and seaweed farming is an idea which I will be bringing to my school as we are situated close to these activities. Children are slowly becoming more aware of the whole idea of reserving the earth’s resources for future generations and I think if we include more aspects of this in the curriculum in schools it will put even more emphasis on it. The Origin Green Award, which was developed by Bord Bia and is Ireland’s food and drink sustainability programme. As I mentioned the Carbon Footprint report of the Irish Seafood sector and the list of threatened species are resources I will take away from this module and hopefully use in the classroom. Having example of the different labels is another way where we can introduce the idea of sustainable fishing to the children and is a great way of giving them the opportunity to contribute to this.
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Sustainability is so important in today’s world. Children are becoming more aware of this and it is our job as educators to develop this further.
In my own classroom we have been using Picker Pals an initiative to encourage sustainability, recycling and protecting our environment. It has elements that touch on our beaches and protecting our sealife, encouraging children to litter pick and refrain from littering our environment and waters.
I think expanding on this through SPHE and SESE, encouraging questions, where does our food come from, how can we ensure that what we are eating had come from a sustainable source. Recognising labels, helping with the weekly shopping and discouraging food waste.
Children are always wanting to learn how to improve the environment and become more sustainable, hopefully adding topics on aquaculture to my teaching next year will improve and promote this. -
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Dublin practices sustainability through various initiatives, such as promoting public transportation, cycling, and recycling programs, alongside numerous green spaces and community gardens. The city supports sustainable urban development, energy-efficient buildings, and renewable energy projects. Schools and local organisations also engage in environmental education and conservation efforts. To engage pupils in exploring sustainability further, I would incorporate interactive projects like creating school gardens or conducting energy audits to highlight practical sustainability. Organising field trips to local recycling centres, sustainable businesses, or green energy plants can provide hands-on learning experiences. Encouraging participation in community clean-up events and sustainability workshops fosters a sense of responsibility and community engagement. Integrating technology, such as using apps to track personal carbon footprints or virtual tours of sustainable initiatives, can also make learning dynamic and relevant. These activities help students understand the impact of their actions and inspire them to contribute to a more sustainable future.
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I live and teach in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. This particular area from my own experiences embraces sustainability through community gardens, effective waste management, renewable energy projects, and the preservation of green spaces like Belvedere House and Gardens. The town promotes cycling and walking, enhancing its sustainable transport infrastructure. Educational programs and workshops further foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
To engage my students in sustainability, practical and interactive activities are key:
School Trips or Observation Reports: Visit community gardens and renewable energy sites such as the local recycling centre to see sustainability in action. We have also been visited by this company on numerous occasions to educate our pupils on their projects.
Recycling Projects: We have implemented a school-wide recycling initiative, encouraging proper waste sorting, and a reuse project, where our students made art pieces for our school garden.
School Garden: I manage and run the school garden, where we grow various fruits, vegetables and flowers, this year we ran the project with the junior infants, which was great fun for all.
Creative Arts: Use recycled materials for art projects, emphasizing the value of reuse, which we then display outside the school and in our school forest.
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I think children nowadays are much more aware of sustainability than we ever were. There are many initiatives that our pupils take part in with their parents such as tidy towns, beach combing, pop up shops selling pre loved items; and that is just a few of the different things that the children have mentioned over the last few years. Our school is also taking part in the Picker Pals programme and our two second classes have really enjoyed taking their pack home each day and going out to collect litter with their family that evening. Our Green Schools committee have also been involved in activities such as tree planting or scoot to school. It’s wonderful to see how engaged the children are with all of these various initiatives, they would put many of us adults to shame! I think looking into the Blue Flag Award would encourage and engage the pupils going forward when it comes to sustainability.
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I completely agree with you. Kids today are indeed more aware of sustainability than we ever were. It’s fantastic to see them involved in so many initiatives like tidy towns, beach combing, and pop-up shops with pre-loved items. Our Picker Pals programme has been a huge hit too, with the second classes excitedly collecting litter with their families. The Green Schools committee’s activities, such as tree planting and scooting to school, really show their commitment.
It’s impressive how engaged they are—often more than us adults! Looking into the Blue Flag Award sounds like a great next step. It would definitely encourage and inspire the pupils even more in their sustainability efforts. Their enthusiasm and involvement are truly inspiring and bode well for a more sustainable future.
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In my local area, sustainability is actively practiced through initiatives like the Tralee Bay Wetlands. This remarkable site serves as a model for environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. The wetlands provide a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, insects, and aquatic plants, while also promoting eco-friendly activities such as birdwatching, canoeing, and nature walks. These efforts help to preserve the local ecosystem and educate the community about the importance of protecting natural habitats.
To engage my pupils in exploring sustainability further, I would organize field trips to Tralee Bay Wetlands. These visits would offer students firsthand experience with local conservation efforts and the opportunity to observe the area’s biodiversity. Additionally, I would incorporate project-based learning, where students can research specific aspects of the wetlands, such as the role of wetlands in flood prevention, the importance of biodiversity, and the impact of human activity on these environments.
In the classroom, we would discuss broader sustainability concepts and how they apply locally. Students could create presentations or reports on their findings from the wetlands and propose ideas for enhancing sustainability practices in our community. Collaborating with local conservationists and participating in hands-on activities like planting native species or clean-up drives would further solidify their understanding and commitment to sustainability.
By connecting classroom learning with real-world examples like Tralee Bay Wetlands, I aim to inspire my students to appreciate and actively participate in sustainability efforts. This approach not only enriches their educational experience but also fosters a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment.
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Hi Tommy,
It’s wonderful to hear about the ways you are integrating sustainability into your classroom. Connecting these concepts to your local area makes them even more relatable for the students.
I am not familiar with the Tralee Bay Wetlands project, but I will make sure to look it up. It sounds like a very interesting initiative.
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In my local area, sustainability is practiced in various ways that aim to protect the environment and promote a healthy community. There are several initiatives such as recycling programs, community gardens, and local farmers’ markets. The recycling programs help reduce waste by encouraging people to sort their trash into recyclables and compost. Community gardens allow residents to grow their own vegetables, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food and promotes healthier eating habits. Farmers’ markets support local farmers and provide fresh, locally-grown produce.
To engage my pupils in exploring sustainability, I would start by discussing what sustainability means and why it is important. We could then explore local sustainability practices through field trips, such as visiting a community garden or a recycling center. This hands-on experience would help them understand how these practices work and their benefits.
In the classroom, I would encourage projects that promote sustainability. For example, students could create posters about recycling, start a small classroom garden, or organize a waste audit to see how much waste our class produces and how we can reduce it. We could also invite local experts to speak about their work in sustainability, providing students with real-world examples of how they can make a difference.
By learning about and participating in local sustainability efforts, students can develop a sense of responsibility and become more environmentally conscious. This approach not only educates them about sustainability but also empowers them to contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Hi Andrea,
It is excellent to hear that your local community is so involved in sustainability initiatives. I am a big advocate for farmers’ markets and always encourage our students to shop locally. Shopping locally keeps jobs in your local community and reduces the need for transport costs, carbon emissions and single-use plastics. And most importantly, you get delicious, nutritious food right on your doorstep!
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I teach in a small country school in Co.Meath. In the local area, sustainability is increasingly becoming a focal point of community initiatives and individual practices. Various strategies are employed to ensure a greener and more sustainable environment. These include: Green schools and picker pals.I have found that being part of the ‘Green Schools Initiative’ the school and its pupils are continuously looking for ways to help the environment. To keep the motivation high I use a multi-faceted approach such as:
• Interactive Workshops and Activities: Organize hands-on workshops where students can participate in activities like planting trees and creating compost bins. This practical engagement helps them grasp the concepts better.
• School Gardens: Establish a school garden where students can grow vegetables and flowers. This can teach them about plant life cycles, the importance of biodiversity, and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Field Trips: Arrange visits to local recycling centers, water treatment plants, and renewable energy installations. Seeing these operations firsthand can provide a deeper understanding of how sustainability is practiced on a larger scale.
• Sustainability Projects: Encourage students to undertake small projects, such as creating posters on how to conserve water, conducting energy audits at home, or initiating a recycling drive within the school. This empowers them to take ownership of sustainability practices.
• Integration into Curriculum: Embed sustainability topics into various subjects such as science, geography, and even art. This integrated approach ensures that sustainability is not seen as a separate topic but a core value in education.
Hopefully, we can inspire the next generation to be conscious of their environmental impact and proactive in promoting sustainable practices. -
It is very important for children to be aware of the meaning of sustainability in addition to the efforts that are being made in their local community. We often talk about what is happening at a national or international level and sometimes we can forget to focus on what is happening around us or how we can be more sustainable in our own lives through everyday decisions. In the town I work in, there are quite a few areas that have been allocated for specific plants/wildflowers that target pollination. The children could spend more time examining the types of plants being used and perhaps volunteer to be part of the process the following year, if help is needed. They could also be encouraged to create similar areas at home. The area has been improving its cycle lanes over the last few years. The children have been encouraged use more sustainable transport options. Activities that encourage safe cycling and specific bike to school days are often really useful in encouraging bike use. Solar panels are also something that the children have become more familiar with over time. Our school has installed a number of panels and it would be very beneficial for the children to really look at how they are working in the school itself.
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Hi Pauline,
These are all excellent ideas for the children, it’s great to hear sustainability being promoted through the community and the school! Sustainability can be practiced at so many levels. Through a community or school, through local county/city councils and at national and international levels so that everyone can take part and play their role.
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Reflecting on how sustainability is practised in Dublin 12 and it’s quite inspiring to see the community’s efforts. For example, our local council has implemented several recycling programmes and encourages composting. There are also community gardens where people grow their own vegetables, which promotes both sustainability and a sense of community. To get my pupils engaged with sustainability, I’d start by organising visits to these community gardens. Seeing sustainability in action can be very motivating for kids. We could also start a small garden at the school, giving students hands-on experience in growing their own food. Another idea is to conduct a local cleanup project. This would teach students about the impact of littering and the importance of keeping our environment clean. We could track the types of litter we find and discuss ways to reduce waste, like using reusable containers instead of single-use plastics. Additionally, I would integrate sustainability projects into our lessons. For instance, we could have a project where students research different recycling methods or energy-saving tips and present their findings to the class.
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During the year myself and another member of staff took part in a number of sustainable workshops with SEAI. These were hugely beneficial as they lead us to examine our current practice in the school. One of the first things we did was an audit of the building and looking at what we were doing right and what we needed to improve. We looked at heating, light, energy, waste and water.
We are collecting rainfall and this is used to flush the toilets in the school. We have push taps in our classroom toilets so taps are not left running accidently. We have light sensors in to ensure lights are only being used when needed. We asked for the professionals to come out and do an audit to see if there were more ways to improved and we decided it was important that the children are the leaders in this area. Children are involved in our green team – planting, creating areas of biodiversity, being energy monitors. Their voices are heard via a subcommittee of our student council.
We also are looking this year at being more sustainable in our clothing – liaising with Parent’s Association we hope to recycle old school uniforms and old Halloween costumes. -
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This was another informative and interesting module!
I think sustainability is a vital area to study and promote in our schools. In our school we don’t allow single use plastic and this has had a significant impact , you can see a dramatic reduction in our bin collections. A 4th class proudly announced one day that her reusable sandwich box had served her well since junior infants! Little things like this could have an impact on our throw away culture.
We also have a school fruit and vegetable garden with apple trees, strawberry plants and many vegetables as well as a herb garden. This has proven to be an invaluable project for the senior classes. at lunch time the children are free to go out and get some lettuce etc to add to their sandwiches which they love.
We also have a wild flower area and certain areas around our grounds that are allowed to grow wild. Another poster had the idea of a no mow May which I thought was nice, We are quite near the coast and our nearest town has a tidy towns committee. I would love to get the school involved in this next year. They do periodic beach cleans so this would be something we could get involved with next year.
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I live and teach in a large urban area. Sustainable practices have increased over the past few years. There has been a marked increase in public transportation. We now have more frequent and additional bus services. Bus corridors have also increased greatly on the roads in our area. There has also been an expansion in cycle lanes. We have built secure bike sheds in our school, and we actively encourage staff and students to cycle to school. The local Tidy Towns group is actively visible in our locality. These volunteers organise weekend clean-ups and help to maintain some of the public spaces (benches, flowerbeds, small community garden areas etc.). The school has on many occasions liaised with the Tidy Towns group and they have visited our students. They have given talks on how the students can help to respect their neighbourhood through keeping their locality clean and working together with members of their community. We have 3 Green Flags and because of this, the students are very aware of some sustainable practices that we utilise daily. These are: recycling, limiting water waste (all taps are fitted with aerators), reducing power consumption (all classes have smart light fixtures), closing doors to keep in heat etc.
I could possibly engage my students in furthering their understanding of sustainability through filed trips, activity based learning, promoting cycling/scooting/walking to school, and inviting suitable guest speakers into school. -
This lesson has really force me to think of what more could be done to introduce our children to what is probably the issue of our lifetime, sustainable living.
Promoting sustainable living with children in a classroom is essential for fostering environmentally conscious future generations. One effective way as you’ve said is by integrating sustainability topics into the curriculum. Lessons on recycling, conservation, and renewable energy can be made engaging through interactive activities and projects. That’s a given.
For us in our school, hands-on experiences, such as starting a school garden, that we’ve started teach children about the importance of growing their own food and understanding ecosystems. This could be expanded.
Another method is to establish eco-friendly classroom practices. In our school we encourage students to bring reusable water bottles and lunch containers, reduce paper waste by using digital assignments, where feasible
Involving parents and the community in sustainability efforts can also reinforce these values. Hosting eco-themed events and encouraging participation in local environmental initiatives can help children see the broader impact of their actions.
By embedding sustainable practices in education, as you’ve implied, I think we can cultivate a generation of environmentally responsible young people.
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Hi Harry,
Animal conservation is one we find gets the most discussion during our ARC workshops! We may ask if anyone knows any animals in the world (or in Ireland) that are endangered currently, and this usually gets a lot of answers as most children know that the charismatic animals in the world are mainly endangered or threatened. This may be a good starting point in the classroom as it raises the issues of what’s causing them to be endangered.
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Sustainability projects in Dublin have gained significant momentum in recent years, reflecting a broader national push towards environmental responsibility and sustainable urban development. Efforts to enhance green spaces and promote urban biodiversity through developing and maintaining parks and community gardens and spaces in the city is much more evident in recent years. As a school we regularly take field trips to our local parks and celebrate these spaces and the investment in them in recent years.
The Dublin Climate Action Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to reduce carbon emissions and enhance climate resilience. Key initiatives of this plan include: upgrading public and private buildings to improve energy efficiency and promoting the use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Dublin has seen a huge increase in solar panel installations on both residential and commercial properties in recent years with government grants driving this increase and motivating people to invest in this sustainable energy source. These efforts have led to a measurable decrease in carbon emissions, improved air quality, and cost savings on energy bills for residents and businesses. Studying statements from the climate action plan with the students will provide discussion points for sustainability. Last year for the Young Scientist programm,e we wlooked at renewable energy sources and their impact.
Dublin has also focused on improving its public transportation infrastructure to reduce reliance on private vehicles. Key projects include Luas expansion and the Bus Connects projects. Investment in these projects have increased public transport usage, reduced traffic congestion, and lowered transportation-related emissions. Dublin has also invested in cycling infrastructure by expanding the cycle lane network and the Dublin bikes scheme to promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.These initiatives have led to a significant increase in cycling, reduced vehicular traffic, and promoted healthier lifestyles among Dubliners. We are a green school and the children in our school complete a cyfcle safety course in 5th and 6th class. We also have COW or WOW. Walk on Wednesday or cycle on wednesday which is hugely popular with the children. Data projects on haow we travel are also popular with students and the prevelence of e-vehicles in recent years another point for discussion or exploration.
Dublin has implemented several projects aimed at improving waste management and promoting recycling through awareness campaigns, tidy towns and community projects. My local park has a monthly litter pick up by residents. We also do litter picker pals in our locality. The new “return” deposit recycling scheme which has been controversial should increase recycling rates and definitely reduce plastic bottle and can dumping in our city.
I know that In September we will have a return bottle bin in our classroom where we could make a charitable docation at the end of the month. -
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This was another interesting module. There are many ways sustainability is practiced in my local area. Whether it’s recycling centres, tidy towns, farmer markets, etc They really support protecting the environment. When I saw about the Atlantic puffin I immediately thought about the puffins on the Saltee islands in Wexford. I have taught classes about puffins before where children have completed projects and art work on puffins. One such initiative for tour groups when visiting the Saltee islands is to leave no trace of yourself there. I think this is a really important value to teach children when we think about sustainability as we in turn are teaching them about keeping the animal’s home safe for them. The Saltee islands are a special area of conservation and signs are there to remind us people not to get to close / disturb the puffins for the sake of photos. This too is also a good teaching point for children because sometimes our own interest can affect wildlife and their habitats. I think this could be further explored by looking into ways we can improves habitats for various animals in our own areas. This could even be something like designing and making an insect hotel in the school grounds or leading inquiry based learning where children could research what plants would attract certain mini beasts to the school garden. And then further on from this in looking at the school garden you could encourage children to grow their own vegetables at home as a means of being sustainable but also growing on what we learned about being healthy and nutrients in the nutrition module.
I think the Green Flag Initiatives in schools is another way we can teach about sustainability. Children are encourage to recycle and there are various recycling bins in most local areas. Even the return your bottle scheme is something children enjoy and they love to gather the cans/bottles giving them a great awareness of what’s going on around them.
In teaching sustainability I think it is always very important and effective to let children brainstorm themselves how they can become more sustainable. Sometimes this can be as simple as using a reusable drink bottle each day. Children have a great sense of looking after the environment and are often the most eager of us all to be environmentally friendly and explore ways they can be more sustainable. I think they understand that one small thing can make a huge difference.
I really like the idea of teaching children about how to spot labels on food items that are sustainable. I myself remember learning about fair trade in primary school so it truly can be something that sticks with children and teaches them the ways we can contribute to society. All of this inspires children to use their critical thinking skills and a great approach to exploring STEM in the classroom. -
In my local area, sustainability is a community-wide effort, prominently showcased through initiatives like Tidy Towns and extensive recycling programs. Our community participates in Tidy Towns enthusiastically, organising regular clean-up events, planting native trees and flowers, and maintaining public spaces. This initiative fosters civic pride and environmental responsibility among residents.
Recycling is another critical component of our sustainability efforts. Local authorities provide comprehensive recycling services, including curbside collection and recycling centers for items like electronics and hazardous waste. Educational campaigns ensure residents are informed about proper recycling practices, reducing waste and promoting resource conservation.
To engage my pupils in exploring sustainability, I would integrate these local initiatives into our classroom activities. We would start by discussing the importance of Tidy Towns and recycling, followed by a field trip to observe these practices in action. Students could participate in a local clean-up event, connecting classroom learning with real-world action.
The Green Flag Initiative provides an excellent framework for embedding sustainability in our school culture which is already formed in our school. The Green School Committee, comprising students, teachers, and parents, could work on driving environmental projects and initiatives. The committee could focus on reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting biodiversity within the school grounds. Students could conduct audits to assess our school’s environmental impact and develop action plans to address identified issues.
As mentioned previously, I like the idea of encouraging the students to examine food labels in order to make more sustainable choices. This is also an idea which could be great way to create close links with the community and local shops.
By actively participating in these initiatives, students gain a deep understanding of sustainability and their role in protecting the environment. This hands-on approach not only reinforces classroom learning but also inspires lifelong environmental stewardship.
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Hi Rhonda,
This is an excellent idea for getting your students in the mindset of sustainability, having them meet and assist the various local groups like TidyTowns! Being involved in the Green Flag initiative is another good way to encourage your students to be sustainable, and one which will overall benefit the school’s sustainability as well. This will promote their critical thinking and problem solving skills and would be of massive benefit later on in life.
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Hey Rhonda, really liked your thoughts on Tidy Towns and Green Schools initiative in your post. When I was reflecting on sustainability I had similar thoughts to you around these initiatives embedding the skills in our community and in our classrooms. Integrating local initiatives into classroom activities is a fantastic way to foster environmental stewardship among students.
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We have just been awarded our first Green Flag this year so sustainability is very fresh in my mind. We are a special school setting so focused on what our students could engage in , plan and practice themselves. The committee ran several initiatives to highlight the importance of sustainability e.g. they took on two huge Art projects which spanned the entire year. one was a display for the Junior Sensory room which was a fish made from CDs. The other was a rainbow mural made from bottle caps (collected before the new bottle returns system) It was real tangible learning for the kids that what once was “rubbish” and then “recycling ” could also be used for worthwhile purposes.
A lot of this was influenced by how visible sustainability is in our local area. We are an urban city centre school. The area has several sustainability projects aimed at promoting environmental health and community well-being. Their is an energy community project which focuses on reducing carbon emissions through energy-efficient practices and renewable energy sources. There is a big emphasis on urban greening, we have a wild flower garden in our school and also employ a horticulture tutor and grow veg etc. We take part in a short course for Junior Cycle Level 2 (for students with MGLD/MOD) called “Grow It, Cook It, Eat There is a Zero Waste Movement for reducing waste through education and practical initiatives, like repair cafes and composting workshops(all free)
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As stated in module 5 on sustainability the ‘Tidy Town’ programme is very active in the locality in County Wicklow where I teach. Tidy Town bring local people together to provide a cleaner tidier local environment in which we live and work. The people take pride in their locality. Children have engaged in pickers pals program in our school focusing on picking up litter around the school, doing recycling and discussing the benefits of recycling and reusing for our locality and the environment in general. have the same objective as Picker Pals programme and Tidy Town have the same initiative in sustaining the environment in which we live, work and play.
I would engage the children to explore this further by doing a project on the importance of reusing and recycling to sustain our local environment. For example I would ask the children whether we should purchase plastic bottled water instead of using water from the tap and reusing the water containers we have in school. Our project could be entered into ESB Science Blast (national competition) and discuss the importance of limiting the use of plastic and the impact of plastic in our rivers, towns and seas affecting sea-life. -
Sustainability in Dublin is practiced through various initiatives focused on reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting green spaces. The city implements extensive recycling programs, encourages the use of public transportation, and supports the development of cycling infrastructure. Dublin also promotes sustainable urban farming and community gardens, alongside efforts to reduce carbon emissions through renewable energy projects. To engage students in exploring sustainability, I could incorporate hands-on, interactive activities. Start by organizing classroom recycling projects where students sort and manage waste, learning the importance of recycling and reducing landfill contributions. Nature walks and visits to local parks or community gardens can teach students about biodiversity and the importance of green spaces.
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I am very interested in sustainability and found this module very interesting. In today’s ever changing world, the concept of sustainability is very important. As a teacher, highlighting sustainability practices with our pupils and making them more aware of the environment is imperative. By fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability, we can empower our students to become responsible global citizens and champions of a more sustainable future.
With my class in September I would like to research local sustainability initiatives, such as community gardens, renewable energy projects, or waste reduction programs. It is important to highlight how these initiatives are making a positive impact on the environment and society.
Exploring topics such as climate change, biodiversity, and resource conservation with my class will provide my pupils with a holistic understanding of environmental issues. As my school is located beside a beach will will organise field trips to the beach, where my pupils can engage in hand on activities about aquaculture and the marine environment and the effects of pollution on our coastline. These activities will reinforce the principles of sustainability.
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I really enjoyed this module as I am a keen advocate for sustainability in our every changing world and seek to link it to my teaching every day. It is vital that the children of today don’t just know this word to read – this must be taught to fully understand the importance of the word and what it fully entails. I feel very privileged to be living and teaching along the wild Atlantic way where sustainability is thriving. My school is located in close proximity to the flaggy shore where you will find the Flaggy Shore Oyster Farm. This is an area that the children in my school are familiar with, as it is beautiful for a walk or a swim – however, I would say that a lot fully aware of the work that goes on in the flaggy shore of that a oyster farm exists. This is definitely something I will be incorporating into my lessons in the next academic year and hopefully as a school we can organise a field trip to get a hands on experience of life at sea.
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Hi Sarah,
I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the lesson. It’s so important for us all to become advocates for sustainability. Using Flaggy Shores as an example is excellent for teaching, as students often relate better to familiar places.
Organizing a field trip to the oyster farm would be a fantastic way to deepen their understanding of aquaculture and see firsthand how oysters are produced in their area. In my experience, farmers are usually very accommodating with helping organizing these visits.
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Reflecting on the nutrition of seafood, I realize how valuable this knowledge can be for my classroom. Seafood is rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D and B2, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium. By teaching my students about these nutritional benefits, I can help them understand the importance of a balanced diet and how seafood contributes to overall health.
I can incorporate lessons on how omega-3 fatty acids support heart health and brain function, emphasizing the benefits of including fish in their diets. By exploring different types of seafood and their nutrient profiles, I can make nutrition more engaging and relatable. Additionally, I can discuss sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices, linking nutrition to environmental stewardship.
Through cooking demonstrations or taste tests, I can provide practical experiences that highlight the delicious and nutritious aspects of seafood. Ultimately, I believe that integrating seafood nutrition into my lessons will empower students to make healthier food choices and appreciate the role of seafood in a balanced diet. -
I have always been aware of the need to protect the planet and all species who live in it and depend on it. Schools can and do play a massive role here. Put quite simply if an individual ( child, parent, adult) understands just how critical it is to make a positive effort, however small the value of doing so becomes obvious and worth achieving. The difference it makes is phenomenal.
Children need to know about Global warming and it’s impact on our planet. In our school we try to play an active part as follows:
Green Schools: many green flags achieved.
Walking Buses:( for all within 1km of the school)
Safe Cycling: a 10 week programme for 5th Class students
Energy conservation Team: Monitor lights
School Garden: rich in pollinating plants.
I agree with Rachel when she says that children today are more aware of the term sustainability, I have noticed this and feel that it is definitly a big positive for the planet.
It’s a topic that offers much scope for a fascinating Term’s work.
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Ireland is a country that increasingly values sustainability and I have observed various practices aimed at reducing our environmental impact and promoting a more sustainable future. Examples include recycling programs such as the recent bottle and can recycling initiative, ensuring that waste is minimized and resources are reused. Community gardens, where residents can grow their own vegetables and fruits, promote local food production, reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food, and foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for the environment. To engage young pupils in sustainability, you could encourage students to create art from recyclable materials. This not only teaches the value of reusing resources but also stimulates creativity and problem-solving.Establish a school garden where students can plant, nurture, and harvest their own crops can teach them about food sources, the importance of local produce, and the basics of sustainable agriculture. Arranging field trips to local recycling centers, renewable energy plants, or community gardens
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I live in Killarney, County Kerry and the tow is leading the way in sustainability through various initiatives, including its recent commitment to becoming Ireland’s first single-use coffee cup-free town. Launched on July 11, 2023, the Killarney Coffee Cup Project aims to eliminate over one million single-use coffee cups annually, reducing waste by 18.5 tonnes. This ambitious goal is supported by 25 local independent coffee shops and 21 hotels, who have collectively agreed to transition to a reusable takeaway system.
Students can contribute to Killarney’s sustainability efforts by participating in local conservation projects, promoting renewable energy, supporting waste reduction, and encouraging the use of sustainable transport options. By raising awareness and supporting local businesses that prioritise eco-friendly practices, students play a vital role in enhancing these initiatives and ensuring a greener future for their community.
Killarney’s unique ecosystems, such as Killarney National Park, are protected through various conservation measures. The park is home to rare species and ancient woodlands, and efforts are made to maintain its natural balance. Sustainable tourism practices are promoted to ensure that visitors can enjoy the park without causing harm to the environment.
I would ask students to survey local businesses about their sustainability goals. As the town is very progressive in this are I think the students would find this very interesting .
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This is amazing. Killarney is pioneering sustainability with initiatives like the Killarney Coffee Cup Project, aiming to eliminate over a million single-use cups annually. Local students can bolster these efforts by engaging in conservation projects, promoting renewable energy, and supporting waste reduction. Killarney National Park’s protection through conservation measures ensures its ecosystems remain intact, supported by sustainable tourism practices to minimize environmental impact.
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I live and work in Dublin city. So our examples of sustainability are probably more artificial or thought out than what is going on in a rural area. But, saying that, there are plenty of examples. Local supermarkets have sections of local produce. There are some markets nearby (although these run at the weekends, so not possible to bring students). There are also some funky cafes in our locality with upcycled furniture and local food suppliers.
We always do a ‘measure your carbon footprint’ online with our students as part of our CSPE course. We also do a little exercise of picking a favourite food or drink from the supermarket, and working out how many miles it has travelled. Results are then put into graph maker online for cross curricular work with Maths. So students are exposed to the notion of sustainability in many different subjects, including of course Home Economics. We have also achieved 4 green flags over the years.
I think I could use the materials of this course to do a a mini project on aquaculture, maybe tie it into a section on ‘the sea’. And as part of this, could visit the supermarket and look at labels to find the sustainability marks
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In Dublin, sustainable aquaculture focuses on caring for the environment, keeping fish healthy, and helping local communities. Farms use systems that recycle water to save it and grow different species together to keep the water clean. They also use good feed and protect fish from diseases to ensure they stay healthy. This helps create jobs and supports local businesses.
To teach primary school pupils about sustainable aquaculture, we can use hands-on activities. Taking them on trips to local fish farms and setting up small fish and plant systems in the classroom can be exciting and educational. Simple stories and role-playing games can help them understand different roles in fish farming. Art projects related to science lessons make learning fun. We can invite experts to talk to the class and join community projects like beach clean-ups to show the importance of caring for the environment. This way, children learn to appreciate and practice sustainability.
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Local community-driven projects like energy saving, a community garden, and recycling programmes can all be part of a sustainable lifestyle. The community’s carbon footprint can be greatly reduced by encouraging homes to use reusable items and energy-saving techniques. Supporting public transportation options and taking part in local wildlife conservation efforts also contribute to environmental health. Engaging children in sustainability can be both educational and fun. Interactive workshops on recycling, composting, and energy conservation provide hands-on learning experiences. School projects on topics like building model greenhouses or designing energy-efficient homes integrate sustainability into the curriculum. Organizing nature walks, clean-up drives, and gardening clubs can teach children about local flora and fauna while instilling a sense of responsibility. Educational games, creative arts, and visits from environmentalists can further enrich their understanding. By integrating these activities, communities can foster a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship, instilling lifelong values and habits in the younger generation.
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Hi Daniel,
These are all great ideas for reducing a communities carbon footprint through local engagement! Having sustainability integrated in the curriculum can teach children about how sustainability is a major concern in every topic worldwide, from engineers, to scientists, to politicians, sustainability is prominent in each sector.
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We are very passionate in our home here and in our school in relation to Sustainability. Sustainability , in simple terms is really looking out for Our future. We have seen from our past and that of our ancestors the negative effects of not being sustainable e.g. animals becoming extinct, global warming, sea levels rising.
It;s is an integral part of of our local area to promote and practise sustainability. As a Community, ew recycle glass bottles, reuse plastic where we can, many homes have compost bins which in turn we use for planting and growing vegetables, we recycle clothes and do uniform swops in our school, local beach clean ups.
IN our school, our Green School Committee and the wider school community are very active in promoting sustainability. The children learn about reducing waste, not wasting water, travelling to school by bike, walking or car pooling is better for our environment. The children are also learning about the United Nations Sustainable Goals, and we are working towards and on these 17 goals. The children understand why these goals were introduced in 2015 and we revie and reflect how sustainable we are as a school and community. We encourage the families to buy fair trade products or dolphin safe products. The children whilst learn about nutrition in seafood they also learn that farmed salmon are a sustainable alternative to wild salmon.
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How I and my students could be more sustainable:
Recycle plastic bottle using the return scheme, recycle paper, compost fruit skins, pencil parings, apple cores, keep a record of modes of travelling to school, put basins in all classroom sinks to save water and use this in turn to wash paint brushes, put tips about sustainabilty on school website and newsletter, Organise poster competitions inhouse about Sustainability, litter clean ups, Spring clean ups, buy more fairtrade products.
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Hi Catherine,
I completely agree with your ideas here. Pre Covid we had most of the above in place as we had the green school committee taking the lead. However when Covid began, our policy asked pupils to keep their rubbish in lunch boxes and bring it home to minimise movement around the classrooms. This is something I hope to re introduce in this coming school year and consider alternative ways we can be more sustainable.
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In our school we have gained many Green School Flags, the last being Recycling Theme. We have an emphasis on recycling in the school and we have a ‘Maker Space’ where we collect recycled materials and make them in to projects especially for STEM. We have hot food for every child and we encourage parents to ensure they cancel food if the child is going to be absent to reduce food wastage. We encourage pupils to walk or bike to school and use various slogans for days such as Walk on Wednesdays etc. Our taps are push down so go off automatically and we have light monitors – pupils who ensure that all lights are switched off when the pupils leave the classrooms. We also have door monitors who ensure all exit doors are shut when classes go to the yard to reduce oil usage for heating. We also send clothing which is not collected to a local charity shop, so parents can buy cheap uniforms. Pupils engage in a Beach Clean up also in conjunction with the county council. But there is always more we can do to encourage sustainability.
I have learned a lot about food labels – Origin Green, ASC, MSC, so I will be taking more notice of food packaging labels and only purchasing sustainable. Pupils will research food labels and hopefully they will start the discussion at home so parents can be more aware.
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Dublin’s approach to sustainability encompasses several key initiatives:
Waste Management and Recycling: Dublin has implemented robust waste management practices, including widespread recycling programs and initiatives to reduce single-use plastics. The city promotes composting and the separation of waste at the source, which reduces landfill use and encourages recycling.
Green Transportation: The city has made significant investments in sustainable transportation. Dublin’s extensive public transport network, including buses, trams (Luas), and trains, is designed to reduce car dependency. The introduction of bike-sharing schemes and dedicated cycling lanes further supports eco-friendly commuting.
Urban Green Spaces: Dublin’s commitment to green spaces is evident in its numerous parks and community gardens. Initiatives like the Dublin Mountains Makeover project and the development of urban forests enhance biodiversity and provide residents with accessible natural spaces.
Sustainable Energy: Dublin is advancing the use of renewable energy sources. Solar panels, wind energy, and energy-efficient buildings are becoming more common, reducing the city’s carbon footprint and promoting energy sustainability.
Community Engagement and Education: The city actively involves its residents in sustainability efforts through education campaigns, workshops, and community projects. Programs aimed at raising awareness about climate change and sustainability practices empower citizens to contribute to the city’s environmental goals.Here are some strategies to engage pupils in exploring sustainability further:
Field Trips and Site Visits: Organize field trips to key sustainability sites, such as recycling centers, urban gardens, and renewable energy installations. These visits provide firsthand experience of sustainability in action and illustrate the practical applications of environmental principles.
Project-Based Learning: Encourage students to undertake projects that explore local sustainability issues. Projects could include research on Dublin’s waste management systems, developing proposals for new green spaces, or creating awareness campaigns about sustainable practices.
Guest Speakers and Workshops: Invite sustainability experts, such as environmental scientists, urban planners, and local government officials, to speak with students. Workshops led by these professionals can provide deeper insights and practical knowledge about sustainability efforts in Dublin.-
The introduction of many cleaner vehicles on our roads too in the waste management sector is another welcomed addition in our challenge to create a sustainable Ireland. It’s great to see sustainable expects being asked in to discuss the importance of sustainability but it’s more important to see their suggestions be really put into place. This all helps us to get closer to that carbon neutral goal.
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Implementing sustainability practices in a school can foster environmental awareness and responsibility among students. Here are some ideas for sustainable practices in a school setting:
Energy Efficiency
LED Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights.
Solar Panels: Install solar panels to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Smart Thermostats: Use programmable thermostats to control heating and cooling efficiently.
Energy Audits: Conduct regular energy audits to identify areas for improvement.
Waste Reduction
Recycling Programs: Set up recycling bins for paper, plastic, glass, and metal. Educate students on proper sorting.
Composting: Create a composting program for organic waste from cafeterias and school gardens.
Reusable Materials: Encourage the use of reusable water bottles, lunch containers, and bags.
Paper Reduction: Promote digital assignments and communications to reduce paper use. Use recycled paper when printing is necessary.
Water Conservation
Low-Flow Fixtures: Install low-flow faucets, toilets, and urinals to reduce water usage.
Rainwater Harvesting: Collect rainwater for use in school gardens and landscapes.
Water Bottle Refilling Stations: Install stations to encourage the use of reusable water bottles.
Sustainable Transportation
Carpooling and Biking: Encourage carpooling, biking, and walking to school. Provide bike racks and safe paths.
Electric Buses: Transition to electric or hybrid school buses to reduce emissions.
Green Spaces and Gardening
School Garden: Develop a school garden where students can learn about growing food and sustainable agriculture.
Native Plants: Landscape with native plants that require less water and maintenance.
Green Roofs and Walls: Install green roofs or vertical gardens to improve air quality and insulation.
Environmental Education
Curriculum Integration: Incorporate environmental science and sustainability topics into the curriculum.
Eco-Clubs: Support student-led environmental clubs and initiatives.
Workshops and Seminars: Organize workshops and seminars on sustainability practices and environmental issues.
Green Building Practices
Sustainable Materials: Use eco-friendly and sustainable building materials for renovations and new constructions.
Natural Lighting: Design classrooms to maximize natural lighting, reducing the need for artificial light.
Community Involvement
Partnerships: Collaborate with local environmental organizations and businesses to support sustainability initiatives.
Volunteering: Organize community clean-up events and tree-planting days.
Monitoring and Reporting
Sustainability Audits: Conduct regular sustainability audits to assess and improve practices.
Green Certifications: Aim for green building certifications like LEED for school buildings.
Student Involvement: Involve students in tracking and reporting sustainability metrics, such as energy usage and waste reduction.-
Hi Orla,
These are all great ideas for encouraging your students to be more mindful about sustainability. Sustainability can be practiced in the school and then as you say, mixing with communities and volunteer organisations can lead the students to be pillars of sustainability for the future in their respective communities.
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Some of the recent data in terms of the damage unsustainable practice has done to our climate, habitats and natural life is alarming. Despite this knowledge and numerous initiatives, it seems that the scale of damage is becoming more and more difficult to reverse. I remember during lockdown seeing pictures of large cities with huge pollution and smog such as Beijing actually appearing clear and being inspired to show this to the children in my class as a talking point for sustainability. This extremely visual stimulus is useful in a classroom setting. In terms of teaching and engaging with sustainability, the school environment is our starting point. Many schools have green flags, and although sustainability and conservation are not always focused on, in my school, they are always ongoing. Each class engages with a sustainability project and shares their findings with other classes. In this way, the children explore where their lunches, toys and packagings come from. Are they sustainable? The children learn a lot through these projects. Our school constantly engages in litter picking twice per week and this is rotated between classes. Furthermore, we aim to try a ‘blackout’ day, where apart from the obvious essential use, we try to not use electricity in our classrooms. This may take the form of not using the interactive whiteboard and engaging in more outdoor lessons for that day.
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Living more sustainably can be a collective effort involving both teachers and students in daily activities. Here are some practical steps to consider:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Emphasize the importance of recycling materials such as paper, plastic, and glass. Encourage the reuse of items like water bottles and lunch containers.
Conserve Energy: Teach students to turn off lights and electronic devices when they are not in use. Promote natural lighting and energy-saving practices.
Sustainable Transportation: Encourage walking, biking, or carpooling to school to reduce carbon emissions. Organize walking school buses or bike trains for safer and more environmentally friendly commuting.
Waste Reduction: Implement a zero-waste policy for lunches by using reusable containers and minimizing disposable packaging. Encourage composting organic waste from snacks and meals.
Water Conservation: Educate students about the importance of conserving water by turning off taps while brushing teeth and using water-saving fixtures.
Sustainable Eating: Promote the consumption of locally sourced and seasonal foods. Incorporate lessons on the environmental impact of food choices and the benefits of a plant-based diet.
Environmental Education: Incorporate sustainability topics into the curriculum, such as the importance of biodiversity, the impact of pollution, and ways to protect natural habitats.
Green Projects: Engage students in projects like planting trees, creating school gardens, or participating in local clean-up events. These activities foster a connection with nature and a sense of responsibility.
Eco-Friendly Supplies: Use eco-friendly school supplies, such as recycled paper and non-toxic markers. Encourage students to bring in and use supplies made from sustainable materials.
Mindful Consumption: Teach students to be mindful of their consumption habits, encouraging them to question whether they need a new item or can repurpose something they already have.
By incorporating these practices into daily routines, both teachers and students can contribute to a more sustainable future. -
I think it is so important for students to learn about sustainability so that they can practise it in their own lives. A great link to learning about it could be exploring how it is practised in our local area. A good example of this is exploring the many businesses in Galway which have ‘gone green’. Many of the businesses ensure that environmental sustainability is at the heart of all their strategies and business objectives. Improving environmental performance or ‘going green’ can save businesses money, can increase competitiveness and can increase consumer demand. Galway City Council offers support to help businesses on their sustainable journey. Firstly, businesses can use the expertise and guidance of their Environment Education Officer. This officer can visit your business and assist with waste audits and the preparation of action plans. Secondly, Galway City Council can assist in waste audits of businesses. They can provide you with assistance and guidance in managing your waste effectively. Finally, Galway City Council runs award schemes for green businesses. The Green Hospitality Award is an environmental certification standard for the hospitality sector that is recognised nationally and internationally. The Green Hospitality Awards scheme also offers an Eco-Tourism award. The annual Green Awards recognise and celebrate green best practice in Ireland across 23 different categories.
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We have implemented sustainable practices within our school such as having an outdoor classroom that we bought this year and a big school garden. One of the AP2 posts specialises in gardening where the member of staff has to design activities for classes to do in the outdoor classroom associated with the school garden. Every Friday we have a gardening teacher who comes in and spends 2 hours with a class to complete gardening tasks. The produce we have in the garden is sold every Friday by the students outside the school gate.
I think this can be expanded through SPHE and SESE by asking questions to students such as how could you be sustainable in your every day life, how can you contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, what labels should you look out for in a shop to know you are buying sustainable food and finally what groups can practice sustainability in your local area and how are they doing this.
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Sustainability is a massive challenge in our world but one that we must attach, embrace and become dominated by. I loved the quote by Saoirse Ronan in the Origin Green video in this module ‘Our world is not one that we inherit from our parents but one that we borrow from our children in the hope that one day we can return it to them in every bit as lush as the way we received it. That is sustainablity’. This quote perfectly explains and emphasises the importance of sustainability. The massive numbers of 8 billion people and it’s projected growth to over 9,5 billion means that we will need a 70% increase in food production that needs to be done through sustainable and carbon aware means.
I live in Wexford there are many areas that we are trying to environmentally aware and sustainable. One way in which people in Wexford are being sustainable is by being aware of our natural environment and its native animals. The Red Squirrel is very prevalent in our area. Many areas of Ireland have seen a dramatic decrease in the Red squirrel population due to the introduction of its bigger cousin the Grey squirrel, a non native species. However, scientists and environmentalists have discovered that another native Irish species the stout is slowly staring to re balance the scale. The reintroduction and the conservation of the Irish stout in our natural landscape has seen the increase of the Red Squirrel population dramatically over the recent past.
Monoculture in farming is another area that has been attacked and reduced to a great degree in Ireland. My father’s generation would have seen the almost extinction of the small farmer due to their large scale monocultural competitors. However, farmers are now encouraged to go back to older methods of crop rotation, using farm yard manure for soil nutrients rather than fertiliser and even newer farming methods and practises such as the growing of more than one crop in a field at any one time that will work together to complement the soil and the nutrients needed for it. Although it may require extra work in the harvesting and separating process it long term means healthier soils (less fertiliser costs) and a massively decreased carbon footprint which equally doesn’t cost the farmer and works towards our countries carbon neutral goals.
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Hi James,
It is a very good quote, and one which we paraphrase when giving presenting the workshop in primary schools. We still need to use our resources to survive, but to be sustainable means we want to use these resources in a way that future generations after us have the same use.
Many types of agriculture can help biodiversity in a local area , although monoculture unfortunately does the opposite as it reduces the variety of plant life to just one primary crop. Improvements in this can be made such as crop rotation or growing multiple crops at the same time allowing agriculture to be more sustainable to Ireland’s biodiversity.
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How my school can be more sustainable – We could be more energy efficient and replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient lighting. We could promote turning off light switches in the school by running a poster competition about saving electricity. We could run a return program to recycle plastic bottles; recycle paper; compost fruit peels, pencil shavings, and apple cores; maintain track of the ways that students get to school; install basins in every classroom sink to conserve water, which is then used to wash paintbrushes; provide advice on sustainability in the school’s newsletter and website.
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Reflecting on sustainability practices in my local area, it is evident that my local community has a commitment to environmental stewardship. From the picturesque landscapes to the thriving aquaculture industry, our area embodies a harmonious relationship with nature. Engaging pupils in exploring local sustainability initiatives can deepen their connection to the environment and inspire them to become responsible global citizens.
To delve into this topic with students, I would consider organizing field trips to local aquaculture farms or coastal areas to witness sustainable practices firsthand. By observing how aquaculture farms operate in an environmentally conscious manner, students can grasp the importance of preserving our natural resources. Additionally, inviting guest speakers from local sustainability organizations or arranging interactive workshops on topics like waste reduction and conservation can further enhance students’ understanding of sustainability principles.
Encouraging pupils to conduct research projects on local sustainability efforts, such as the impact of aquaculture farms on the ecosystem or the benefits of sustainable fishing practices, can foster critical thinking and analytical skills. By incorporating hands-on activities like creating sustainable seafood recipes or designing eco-friendly packaging prototypes, students can actively participate in promoting sustainability within our community. Through these engaging experiences, students can develop a profound appreciation for the environment and be inspired to contribute positively to our local area’s sustainability journey.
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Hi Sinead,
Your post is very inspiring and it sounds like you live in a wonderful place of the world, on our island. Field trips and visitors really bring a sense of reality to the classroom, bringing the learning to life. I think your pupils would be greatly inspired and motivated in their work and indeed in possible future careers, in this industry. Writing recipes ideas is super, one I will make use of in my own classroom.
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Hi Sinead, you made some great points on sustainability and ideas on how to engage the children further on this topic. I also think that getting the children involved through hands-on experiences such as field trips and the introduction of guest speakers would be a fantastic way to spur the children’s interest in sustainable practices in the local area. I love your idea of creating seafood recipes and think there would be loads of integration opportunities from this.
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Incorporating sustainable practices into our day-to-day lives in the classroom/homes can have a significant impact on conserving resources like water, power, and reducing food wastage. To engage pupils in these efforts, we can start by raising awareness about the importance of sustainability in our community.
For water conservation, we could encourage students to take shorter showers, fix any leaks, and use water-saving devices. Implementing a “Turn Off the Tap” campaign in school bathrooms can remind everyone to be mindful of water usage. Additionally, organising a water audit to track water consumption in the school can help students understand their impact and brainstorm ways to reduce water wastage.
To address power consumption, we could promote energy-saving habits such as turning off lights when not in use, unplugging electronics, and utilizing natural light whenever possible. Introducing a “Power Down Day” where students and staff minimize electricity usage can highlight the importance of energy conservation. Moreover, setting up a student-led energy monitoring team to track and report on energy usage in the school can encourage accountability and foster a culture of sustainability.
When it comes to food wastage, educating students on meal planning, proper food storage, and composting can help reduce unnecessary waste. Implementing a “Zero Waste Lunch Challenge” where students pack lunches with minimal packaging and leftovers can raise awareness about food waste. Creating a school composting program for food scraps can also teach students about the environmental benefits of composting and the value of reducing organic waste.
By integrating these sustainable practices into our daily routines and involving students in meaningful initiatives, we can cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility and empower the next generation to be conscious stewards of our resources in school and our homes.
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The term “sustainable” is used more often now than it was when I was a child. I believe that kids nowadays are more conscious of the need to care for the environment and preserve it for coming generations. It is hoped that increasing public awareness of the need to live more sustainably will lower the rate of global warming.
How my school can be more sustainable – We could be more energy efficient and replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient lighting. We could promote turning off light switches in the school by running a poster competition about saving electricity. We could run a return program to recycle plastic bottles; recycle paper; compost fruit peels, pencil shavings, and apple cores; maintain track of the ways that students get to school; install basins in every classroom sink to conserve water, which is then used to wash paintbrushes; provide advice on sustainability in the school’s newsletter and website.
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<p style=”direction: rtl;”>Children nowadays are much more aware of climate change and the impact we are having on our environment . As a Green school we have tried to make lifestyle changes that will have an impact and that everyone can do. As a school we looked at lunches and already having followed the food dudes programme the children were bringing healthy lunches .We therefore looked at packaging and now look for the drink to be brought in a reuseable container and for the kids to bring sandwiches and fruit etc. in the containers provided by food dudes or reusageable packaging. Uneaten food is brought home for composing or simlply to feed the birds in winter. We encourage teachers to have blinds open and as much natural light as possible and each week weather permitting would have an outside lesson . The school has a small garden with wildflowers and in May we leave a section if the school grass unmowed for a few weeks . There is an active tidy towns group and kids get involved with it . I think going forward we will try to get kids to look at food labelling and include the aquaculture lessons available . Looking at the variety of labels and explaining them will be our next objective and raise awareness of sustainable farming in fishing and the nutritional benefits seafood .I think we all know the word sustainability but we really need to teach the kids what it means to practice it .s</p>
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Sustainability is a vital concept that is increasingly being integrated into local areas worldwide. In my community, sustainability practices are evident in various ways, such as community gardens, recycling programs, renewable energy projects, and educational initiatives. These initiatives highlight the importance of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability for a more sustainable future.
When engaging pupils to further explore sustainability in our local area, I would recommend a multifaceted approach that combines education, hands-on experiences, and community engagement. Firstly, integrating sustainability into the curriculum across different subjects can help students understand the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems. Concepts such as lifecycle assessment, carbon footprint, and resource conservation can be explored in science, math, geography, and even the arts.Secondly, hands-on experiences such as field trips to local sustainable businesses, farms, or conservation areas can provide students with real-life examples of sustainability in action. They can witness sustainable practices firsthand and engage with practitioners to understand the challenges and benefits of implementing sustainable solutions.
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Hi Caoimhe,
This is a very good way of analysing how sustainability can be taught in line with STEM subjects throughout our classrooms. Lifecycle assessments and carbon footprints are just some of the important concepts of sustainability which can be taught in schools in conjunction with STEM subjects.
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I have previously done an activity with a 6th class group where we examined our carbon footprint based on the energy we use and the travelling we do. It was a real eye opener for everyone involved, including me, as we don’t tend to consider a lot of the energy usage we are responsible for outside of going on a flight abroad.
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Our first task would be to ensure the understanding of Sustainability by each pupil. Pupils would work together in small groups to complete a mind map of ways they see Sustainability practiced within their own locality, from home to businesses, from what they use, consume, their understanding of food labels, and how they support Sustainability in school and at home. We would invite our Green School Committee representatives to discuss and share their ideas on Sustainability. Our school has implemented many ways to support this work and this would be a very good time to reflect and revise what we engage in within our school, from Bin Busters to Zero Power Hour.
Engaging the pupils in this learning would be supported by many of the ideas shared within the module, with new knowledge on food labelling, Global Goal lessons and Origin Green. The digital videos to support this work are wonderfully engaging and would motivate the pupils in their investigations, considerations and idea generations. Pupils would be posed with the question as to what they can do within their own daily lives to support Sustainability, how they use power, what food choices and purchases they make, their activities, their carbon footprint, the clothes they purchase, their consideration for the place we call home. Again this work could be shared with other classes and through school assembly time, to bring this knowledge to others. -
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Our school is in a very well known area in County Mayo very close to Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. I engage my children in lessons in sustainability often in my classroom in order to build on their awareness of the area and understanding of sustainability. As a class we have engaged in the Picker Pals programme and gone on community walks throughout the local area in order to pick up litter. Children in my class have a good understanding on why this is important for local plant and wildlife. We also teach the importance of local sourcing and sustainable agriculture. For example, why local restaurants should source locally grown and harvested food.
Children in my class also have a good awareness of historical preservation. Sites such as Cong Abbey and Ashford Castle are close by our school, they are maintained not only for their historical significance but also for their potential to educate visitors about sustainable practices through history modern practices.-
Hi Luke,
These are excellent ideas to help your students become pillars of sustainability within their own community and school! Many seaside towns in Ireland, Bundoran is one I remember in particular, have a rule when you visit their beaches that you must remove 3 items of rubbish from the beach when you visit. And easy way to maintain our beaches, and to try and keep out marine litter.
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Sustainability has been a big focus in our school over the last number of years as part of the Green schools initiative. Our school organises a beach clean up at our local beach monthly and it is great for the school and community to collaborate with this. We also completed a turn off the tap campaign this year both in school and at home to reduce water usage and this led to great discussion and interest among the school. We also have done quite a bit of work on ways we can reduce our carbon footprint through more environmentally friendly methods of transport to and from the school. Next year we hope to focus on the area of recycling and waste management in our school.
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Ryan this is great to use the resources on your doorstep. Also a challenge for me is waste management and we do separate things but I am concerned that in the next couple of years we will have hot lunches in school and I’m worried about the impact on this in terms of waste, packaging, food waste, storage of food, cutlery and seeing which companies offer the best solutions for this as much as what menu they offer.
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Sustainability is a buzz word which we hear a lot, especially in my school. Every day, whether it is online, on the telly or on the radio we will hear the words ‘Global Warming’ and children need to know what that means what their role is in trying to stop and slow it down. If we have sustainable practices as normality and there is a culture of conversation in our schools surrounding how we can be more sustainable we are showing children that it is possible for them to contribute positively to the local and wider world that they live in through their actions and how they live. It is achievable and it can be achieved using baby steps. An example of sustainability that I see used in my local area is a huge emphasis where possible on children cycling, walking, bussing, scooting, running and moving their bodies in whatever way they can to get to and from school each morning and afternoon. The children also see many of the teachers in our school cycling and walking to work where they can and it sets a really brilliant example for them to see their school leaders and role models protecting the environment in their daily adult lives.
I mentioned this before but allowing children to discover and be proud of the sustainable practices that they unknowingly carry out daily or weekly by giving them an opportunity in school to recognize that is a surefire way for them to seek out more opportunities to live in a sustainable way and incorporate them into their lives as seamlessly as possible. This is where we have the opportunity in schools to give children these platforms for discussion, conversation and realization through our everyday teaching methodologies and the ethos we carried out day on day. -
Children often copy what they see so from day one I turn off the lights when we leave the classroom and within a couple of weeks the children are volunteering to do this. This year was our first year with Litter Pickers Bunch and they provided all the equipment not only for our class but for the children to take home each weekend for their own street or house. It was amazing watching them as whose turn is it next. It’s the starfish story principle it made a difference to that one. We try as a school to encourage recycling, our last green school award was for water so children don’t leave taps running in school or at home. We are in middle of school transport so no idling campaign outside school was great talking to parents at the car as to why not to leave engines running. This year in my room we set up a garden and grew our own vegetables but of course many didn’t develop fully until children left for summer so I am investigating if I grow potatoes if they would be ready for Christmas dinner. This teaches my infants how they can grow from seed and eat what they can grow. If I teach from young age it will grow with them. The books I use for teaching stories such as Dear Greenpeace lends me opportunity to teach about whales, fishing and sustainability. I teach children fiction but also non fiction and showing them cans of tuna with dolphin friendly symbol so they can go home and check their tuna and where possible parents can replicate this and buy dolphin friendly tuna. We also buy fair trade chocolate when having treats or class parties and explain the frog symbol as my children call in and they look out for the frog when parents buy treats in the supermarket.
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In our local area, we practice sustainability through various community initiatives. For example, we have community gardens where people grow their own vegetables, reducing the need to buy from stores. We also have good recycling programs with clear instructions on how to separate waste, and regular pick-ups. Many schools and businesses are using energy-efficient practices like solar panels to save energy too especially out in the country/ rural areas. To get my pupils involved in sustainability, I would start with hands-on activities and projects related to what our community is doing. We could visit a community garden to learn about growing vegetables and the benefits of local food. After that, we could start a small garden at school where students take turns caring for the plants and grow their own veg to take home once grown. We also do ‘Picker Pals’ in our school which is a fun and important activity. On a Monday before home time, we pick that weeks ‘Picker Pal’ to take home the rubbish picker. We keep a ‘Picker Pal Diary’ where we take a picture of the child with it each week and put it into the diary. They love it. We could also do a recycling project where students create art or useful items from recycled materials. This teaches them the importance of recycling while sparking creativity. Additionally, we could invite local experts to talk about renewable energy and visit places that use solar panels to see sustainability in action.
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Hi Kate, we also use the ‘Picker Pals’ programme and the kids love it. It’s a really good home school link that gets the pupils and parents discussing their local area and our individual responsibility for it. An initiative like this, along with the other daily sustainability habits that form the routine of the classroom will hopefully make environmental care and sustainability intrinsic in us all.
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Our school has the Sustainable Development Goals printed and hung on one of the outside walls of our school. We conducted a school wide drive a number of years ago, to increase awareness within our school community of the SDG’s. The children along with a number of teachers wrote and created a performance based on the same. It’s easier to get everyone excited behind a ‘new’ drive like this, the challenge is to sustain interest as time passes! We have a Green School’s Committee which includes 2 representatives from each class from 2nd up, some of the Senior end children are also the representatives for Junior-1st classes. These children have the opportunity to attend meetings and are responsible for emptying our ‘Green’ bins weekly. They also keep an eye out for maintaining sustainable practices within the class and remind their peers and teachers to turn off lights, whiteboards etc We also have a gardening club and wormery in our school. I have seen the benefit and excitement to individual children as they become involved in the upkeep of vegetable beds etc. We operate ‘Picker Pals’ and have invested in a number of extra litter pickers which teachers can use to provide an opportunity for classes to take turns doing a ‘litter walk’ in the local community. We have a ‘Walk on Wednesdays’ and a ‘Walking Bus’ undertaken by members of the PTA. There are always new ways to improve and make the goal of sustainability a reality in our classes and homes. It often takes energy and time investment to bring new ideas and methods of sustainability to a place where it becomes part of routine. Often we depend on enthusiastic staff members who are generous with their time and effort to this! Thanks to them all.
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I am very interested in sustainability and found this module very interesting. In today’s ever changing world, the concept of sustainability is very important. As a teacher, highlightingsustainability practices with our pupils and making them more aware of the environment is imperative. By fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability, we can empower our students to become responsible global citizens and champions of a more sustainable future.
With my class in September I would like to research local sustainability initiatives, such as community gardens, renewable energy projects, or waste reduction programs. It is important to highlight how these initiatives are making a positive impact on the environment and society.
Exploring topics such as climate change, biodiversity, and resource conservation with my class will provide my pupilswith a holistic understanding of environmental issues. As my school is located beside a beach will organise field trips to the beach, where my pupils can engage in hand on activities about aquaculture and the marine environment and the effects of pollution on our coastline. These activities will reinforce the principles of sustainability.
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Hi Bríd,
These are some really good initiatives, and there are always local groups within the community that will focus on different aspects of sustainability. topics such as biodiversity acts very well as an introduction as many endangered species are highly characteristic and thus, very recognisable worldwide.
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Sustainability is essential for safeguarding not only the ecosystem and the creatures that inhabit our world, but also our available resources. I’m not familiar with the three pillars or how they offer a framework for assessing sustainability from a human perspective. In Ireland, seaweed farming has grown in popularity recently. Because of its many benefits, it is frequently used in spa treatments and cosmetics. It is now a rapidly expanding industry. By exposing the kids to this multipurpose product, we can help them comprehend the value of our oceans and how we can improve our sustainability to preserve them for future generations.The kids will be able to make better decisions by keeping an eye out for the MSC and ASC labels when they visit stores if they are introduced to the various sustainability labels. I will be bringing the slide that shows the connections between endangered species back to the classroom since I found it to be intriguing. These links are excellent places to start a conversation about sustainability.
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As I have mentioned in a previous post, people are more aware nowadays in different areas and how it affects them and the wider community. Sustainability is a word that has become used very regularly by all ages. We teach children from a young age about recycling, how to get rid of our rubbish properly, how we avoid waste and many more. People have become better at researching products we buy and how we can become more sustainable ourselves. Some people might say, one person is not going to make much of a difference in the grand scheme of things but they certainly are. If everyone thought like that, nothing would change. If each person makes one small change, this could be a huge factor in becoming more sustainable. Our local school community has tried to become more sustainable, but this has it’s own challenges. One way which we could do better this coming year is in relation to our school lunches. Encourage the children to take home lunches they haven’t finished and could be eaten later, or cancel the school lunches if the lunch is not suitable as each child has their own preferences. It is nice to see a wide variety of lunches as we learned about in our last module, all the different proteins and fats which are necessary in our diets.
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Sustainability in my locality is a living testament to the community’s commitment to preserving our environment. As a 6th class primary school teacher, I am inspired by the numerous local initiatives aimed at promoting eco-friendly practices. Kilmacud boasts well-maintained green spaces, community gardens, and an impressive recycling program. The local Tidy Towns group is particularly active, organizing regular clean-ups and educational workshops on waste reduction and biodiversity. These efforts are complemented by the widespread use of public transport and bike lanes, reducing our carbon footprint.
To engage my pupils in exploring sustainability further, I would begin by integrating these local examples into our lessons. A class project could involve researching the impact of these initiatives and presenting their findings to the community. We could also organize field trips to the community garden or recycling centre, offering hands-on learning experiences.
Incorporating technology, students could create a blog or social media page documenting our sustainability journey, sharing tips, and highlighting local heroes in environmental conservation. Partnering with the Tidy Towns group, we could participate in clean-up days and tree-planting activities, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in our surroundings.
Through these activities, my aim is to instill a deep understanding and appreciation for sustainability in my pupils, encouraging them to become proactive stewards of their environment. By connecting classroom learning with real-world action, we can inspire the next generation to carry forward Kilmacud’s legacy of environmental stewardship. -
For this assignment it was interesting to do a bit of research into the sustainability practices in my local community; things that I was aware of and things that I was not.
Biodiversity is a huge area of interest where I live and a lot of the local estates are creating wildflower areas to encourage the bee population and other small wildlife. I think it looks really nice too! I think it would be great to allocate a section of our greenfield beside the school to a wildflower area and get the children to scatter flowerbombs and observe how it grows over the course of the year.
There is a cycle greenway under construction at the moment near my house and lots of new cycle lanes have been installed to encourage more people to cycle which I think is great. Our 5th class children take part in an 8 week session of cycling lessons and it has been really beneficial and our school has really noticed an uptake in the number of children who cycle to school since its inception.
There is also a local allotment and community farm near me for recreational gardening in the South Dublin area. I was unaware of this and I think a great initiative would be to contact them in September and see if they would be willing to accommodate a visit from my class to explore how a community farm works. We are lucky enough to have a school garden and each year a professional gardener comes to our school to teach the children about planting different types of vegetables and flowers and how to care for them and harvest when they are ready. The children really enjoy it and I learn so much from them myself!
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As a member of my school’s Green School Committee, I recall learning about sustainability vividly as a child and it has stayed with me throughout my life. Nowadays, sustainability is even more emphasised. For example, daily household practices such as engaging with the return scheme of bottles and cans open up a conversation about sustainability and children find great novelty in their recycling. In my locality, the Tidy Towns committee takes great pride in the upkeep of the community and there is a community garden with vegetable patches that locals can help with and eat from. The local school is also involved in this garden. I would engage pupils to explore sustainability further in school by advocating WOW days (Walk on Wednesday) and carpooling. I would also teach the pupils how to recycle properly by discussing what items go into which bins. I would further this by learning about sustainable food packaging and challenging the pupils to make a lunch with sustainability in mind. We could use some vegetables from the community garden in lunches to witness sustainability in-action.
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There is a growing emphasis on sustainability in our school. To promote sustainability in our school and local community, we do the following:
• Green Schools & Student Council– we have an excellent green school’s co-ordinator and active Green school committee who have achieved several Green Flags
• WOW/BOW days: Walk on Wednesday/ Bike on Wednesday is a whole school initiative where the children are encouraged to walk to school.
• SDG Microsoft di your bit Challenge – children from 4th – 6th classes complete lessons on the SDGs every year and then create a solution to one of the SDG using microbits. They show their projects at county level and then the winners proceed to Dublin.
• Link with tidy towns – the school links with tidy towns to do litter picking, guest speakers etc.
• Local Environmental Groups e.g. Tidy towns – the school links with local groups that have come in to chat the children about sustainability, looking after our waterways – children have gone on field trips to the local canal to explore the flora and fauna there.
• School Garden – strawberries, carrots, lettuce and other plants in our school garden and the children are very involved in this process. -
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Sustainability is actively practiced in Sligo through various community initiatives focused on protecting the environment. Local farmers’ markets promote organic and locally-sourced food, reducing carbon footprints and supporting the local economy. Recycling programs are well-established, and there’s a growing emphasis on reducing plastic waste. The community is also involved in conservation efforts, such as beach clean-ups and tree planting, to preserve natural habitats. To engage my pupils in exploring sustainability further, I would organise field trips to these markets, recycling centers, and conservation sites. We could also invite local environmentalists to speak about their work. In the classroom, students could research and present on different aspects of sustainability in Sligo, such as renewable energy or waste reduction. Additionally, they could participate in hands-on projects like starting a school garden or leading a recycling drive, helping them understand the importance of sustainability and encouraging them to make eco-friendly choices in their daily lives.
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The three pillars of sustainable development are environmental, social and economic. I am going to look at how sustainability is practiced in my local area based on these three areas. Environmental: Renewable energy In my area there is a large solar farm. It was constructed last year in the hills behind the village. It is used to provide energy to the grid, there was some concern over the felling of an amount of trees for this project. There is an area that had previously been zoned for recreational school use but after flooding last year the council decided that it would be best left as a conservation area and a flood plain. There are a number of waster management companies in the area and we are all encouraged to reduce, reuse and recycle. Social:There is a very strong sense of community in this area and St Vicent de Paul ensures that free counselling is available. There are a number of community groups that address social inequalities and promote integration among cultures. Our schools and our community provide culture days to give people of every origin a chance to showcase their heritage, Ireland included. At the end of August there will be a Fair Day to promote the history or Irish culture in the area. Economic: Examples of economic sustainability would be supporting practices of fair trade, job creation, economic diversification and financial inclusion. While most of these would be driven at a council or government level examples of this in our area would be the common practice of local businesses to engage with the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme and the Community Employment scheme. A way to engage our students in these sustainability initiatives would be first to build an awareness of them with the children, bring them on some field trips and also ask some guest speakers into our school.
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Sustainability in our local area in County Laois is increasingly becoming a focal point, with various initiatives aiming to preserve the environment, reduce waste, and promote a greener lifestyle. Local communities and organizations are actively involved in projects like tree planting, community gardens, and waste reduction campaigns – bins have been installed and a separate bin for people to donate the Re-Turn bottles that the local tidy towns return and use as a sort of fund-raising method. The emphasis on supporting local produce and reducing carbon footprints is evident in the farmers’ markets in Athy and Carlow. Additionally, Laois has made strides in promoting renewable energy, with more homes and businesses adopting solar panels and other eco-friendly technologies.
In the classroom, engaging pupils to explore sustainability further can be both educational and impactful. We have made a good start by introducing the concept of sustainability through local examples they can relate to, such organising clean-up events in the nearby playground and Gaa grounds. We signed up for Picker Pals initiative. https://pickerpalsworld.org When you sign up you receive a pack with gloves, high-vis and pickers.
Through the Green Schools programme, we have developed small raised garden plots where we grow mostly vegetables and sell them to people in the local area on Fridays. Our rhubarb is a big hit. I think this all fosters a hands-on understanding of environmental stewardship. We have also focused on reducing waste, helping students see the direct impact their actions can have on their community. We have a Green school’s committee and students across the school have roles and responsibilities. This September we are going to have new bins out the front where people can donate/dispose of their Re- Turn plastic bottles which we will use the money to put into out Green Schools Committee. Through these activities, students not only learn about sustainability but also develop a sense of responsibility and empowerment to make positive changes in their own lives and local community.
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Limerick’s status as the 10th most sustainable city in Europe is a compelling starting point for discussing sustainability in the classroom. Our local practices, such as upcycling events, the presence of wildflowers and the innovative Opera Square project, where demolition waste is being extensively reused, demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability. To engage pupils using the inquiry framework, I would begin with the Engage phase by highlighting Limerick’s sustainability achievements and discussing the concept of sustainability. We could explore the impacts of local initiatives, like the Opera Square project’s waste diversion, to illustrate practical local applications. In the Investigate phase, students would research how upcycling and waste reduction contribute to environmental sustainability. They could examine case studies of local sustainability projects and discuss the benefits of sustainable practices and how they align with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. For the Take the Next Step phase, students could create projects or campaigns to promote sustainability in their own lives. Activities might include offering upcycling workshops to younger students, advocating for sustainable food choices or developing strategies to reduce waste at school. By connecting local sustainability efforts to broader global goals, students will gain a deeper understanding of how individual actions contribute to environmental stewardship.
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From this module, I’ve gathered that sustainability is our way of life and we’ve gotten to here today because of unsustainability in our past generations. Sustainable food to me means that ensuring the welfare of people and animals in what we consume daily in a sustainable environment that surrounds food. In my local area, sustainability is evident in bottle banks, clothes banks, a monthly community litter pick up, and a bottle return scheme. Everyone uses separate bins for recycling and bins for waste and charity shops, a local community garden, and supporting farmers and aquaculture. I would engage children in my class by participating in the school’s green flat organization, a local trip to a recycling centre, fish farm, and collecting single use plastics so that we can use these again for art activities and beach clean up. I think it is so important to instill this knowledge and these skills within children as young as possible so that it becomes a life skill they are aware of as they move on through life.
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Hi Aideen,
It’s great to see your local community is so involved in sustainability with litter picking and bottle return schemes. Obtaining a green flag is something a lot of schools are carrying out these days and it is a great initiative to encourage sustainability and teach children about climate change.
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I find sustainability is definitely becoming more mainstream and commonplace. I think there is a big emphasis in schools on sustainability now and children are being exposed to lots of information in various ways about sustainability. Our school has a variety of initiatives in place in school and also participate in various competitions and workshops around sustainability. Our student council are our energy monitors ensuring that all classes understand the importance of not wasting energy. We also grow a variety of produce in our school garden organically and attend workshops in the local library exploring gardening. Children are encouraged to walk or cycle to school if possible and we have had walking school bus initiatives in the past. Cork has a thriving sustainability scene. In our own local area, many farmers are now practicing organic farming which really emphasizes sustainability. I also think the new return scheme for bottles is something children will really understand as they get money back!
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Sustainability is an increasingly vital focus in our world today, and in my local area, there are several initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to preserving the environment for future generations. These practices range from community-based recycling programs to organic farming which supplies to local shops and cafes.
In my local area, one of the most prominent examples of sustainability is the comprehensive recycling and waste management system. This system encourages residents to separate their waste into categories—organic, recyclable, and non-recyclable—ensuring that materials like plastic, paper, and glass are repurposed rather than ending up in landfills. This initiative is supported by regular community workshops and campaigns that educate people on how to minimize waste and make more sustainable choices in their daily lives.Another notable practice is the emphasis on heating, ie solar panels. Our school has recently been fitted with them.
Organic farming is another key aspect of sustainability in my area. Local farmers’ markets are held regularly, providing residents with access to fresh, locally-grown produce. These markets not only reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances but also support local farmers and promote the benefits of eating organic.
To further engage pupils in exploring sustainability, I would begin by incorporating these local examples into classroom discussions and activities. I believe that making sustainability tangible and relevant to their immediate environment can have a profound impact on students.
Pupils could also take part in an energy audit of the school, identifying ways to reduce energy consumption and promote efficiency. These hands-on projects would not only educate students about sustainability but also empower them to make a difference in their community.
Incorporating technology and digital literacy, we could explore the concept of sustainability through research projects where students investigate global sustainability challenges and compare them with local practices. They could use digital tools to create presentations, videos, or even social media campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability.
Moreover, fostering a sense of global citizenship could be achieved by connecting with schools in other regions or countries to share ideas and experiences related to sustainability. This could lead to collaborative projects, where students not only learn from others but also contribute their insights on how sustainability can be practiced more effectively in different contexts.
In conclusion, sustainability in my local area is manifested through various initiatives that promote environmental responsibility, from recycling to organic farming. By engaging pupils in these local practices, through hands-on projects, field trips, and digital exploration, a better understanding of sustainability can be fostered and encourage them to take an active role in shaping a more sustainable future.
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My local town encourages locals to meet up on a Sunday morning to litter pick for an hour. It is a wonderful way of keeping the area tidy and litter under control. The tidy towns committee do tremendous work at planting beautiful flowers and wild flowers all around the town. They carefully and lovingly planted some beautiful flowers boxes outside my school. Our school engages with a litter picking initiative, “Picker Pals”. The children learn the tools in creating a better environment for our shared future. The men’s shed in my area kindly made planters, bird boxes and a bug hotel for our school. The children engaged with jobs, such as, weeding the beds to get them ready for planting. Our task is to try encourage more bees into our school garden.
My school is a green school. We received our most recent flag in May for the project Travel-Global Citizenship. This is my school’s 9th Green Flag. The work undertaken by the teachers and pupils has positively influenced our school community. It is an all-inclusive approach that helps children understand the importance of environmental issues and teaches them to be more mindful in their personal and home lives. We engage with WOW (Walk on Wednesday) whereby pupils, parents and teachers walk to school.
At the beginning of the school year I go through class jobs with my class. A few to mention are, light monitors, bin monitors and floor monitors. They understand what goes into compost, recycling and landfill. Light monitors ensure we turn off lights when leaving the classroom. It gives children ownership and a role.
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Hi Niamh I have those jobs in my classroom too. Its so important to put these good habits into practice, turning off lights and putting the correct items in the correct bins. Children are always really interested in doing their it for the environment and it is great to put the emphasis on their positive actions rather than worrying them too much about the environment as anxiety is such a big issue for children today
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Hi Niamh we also have these jobs in our school too. The children loved gettig a title (and a hugh-vis vest!). This helped a lot with creating a space for all in our classroom. For awhile some had a habit of not picking up rubbish that ‘wasn’t theirs’. Often children can only see their own perspective but it is the job of teachers to make them see if everyone does their own small part it creates a better environment for us all.
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Sustainability in all areas is so important. It’s how we will gift our environment onto the next generation. Thankfully I can see it being practised in many ways in my local community and where I teach.
Locally we have a tidy towns group a fabulous and a nature group. We have a guy who gives lectures on the importance of bees and these are so informative when he is around locally. He goes into the local little primary school. By the time my children were in 6th class they had a wealth of knowledge about wildlife, conservation and sustainability Our little village always looks so beautiful. Teenagers and children are always involved in the summer works around the village.
Then where I teach we have the Green School Committee which are very successful in communicating the sustainability message throughout the school. The children on the committee are taken from every class from juniors to 6th class. With the help of the caretaker we have a beautiful sensory garden and vegetable garden.
Recycling is the biggest and most important aspect of the Green school work in the school. Regardless of the Green Schools theme recycling is always the number one interest in the school. Battery recycling is also a priority.
The future, going forward, is bright for the children in our school.
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Sustainability is practiced in the school with wildflowers in the school garden, collecting water in a butt from gutters, there are solar panels on the roof, boxes for swifts in the eaves of the roof and a bug hotel. The children could be asked to walk around the school and look out for these features, discovering themselves or told about them and then walking again to see them all.
The children could be encouraged to preserve water by not leaving the taps running too long. Being asked to turn off the tap while brushing their teeth, turning off lights in the classroom when we are all gone out and to do the same at home in rooms that are not being used. Children could also be encouraged to finish fruit before it goes brown by eing given extra time to eat it after lunch. They can also be taught to ask their parents to buy frozen veg and fruit to avoid wasting fresh produce.
It is always necessary to balance giving the children a sense of agency rather than of worry and anxiety when sustainability is being discussed. It is best to emphasise what they can do as individuals and to give them a sense of ease and achievement when they put little steps of sustainability into practice rather than building anxiety levels.
Looking at labels on food to encourage buying locally produced food and food that is sourced responsibly with special emphasis on avoiding bycatch of other marine species.
Keeping plastic out of the environment is another important concern and the use of balloons should be discouraged. Tress and shrubs with decorative soar lights are a much nicer decoration than balloons and the children would have lots of ideas for environmentally friendly alternatives to balloons and other plastic items. Careful recycling is encouraged in the classroom also with clean dry articles only being placed in the Recycling bin
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I’m delighted to say that my local area has a supportive community who prioritises preserving the environment and promoting responsible agriculture and tourism. There are many farms in the area that embrace organic farming methods, reduce chemical use and protect biodiversity. We’re lucky to have a brilliant Saturday farmer’s market and restaurants that embrace the “farm-to-table” movement, which not only supports local farmers but also reduces the carbon footprint.
Organising trips to the local organic farms, fisheries, or renewable energy projects would allow students to see sustainability in action and understand its importance for themselves. Classroom projects such as the impact of organic farming on soil health, or the benefits of sustainable fishing practices could engage the pupils to explore sustainability further.
Another way you could engage the pupils further could be by starting a school garden project, where students can grow their own vegetables giving them firsthand experiences of sustainable food production. Additionally, inviting local farmers, fishermen, or sustainability advocates to speak at the school can provide pupils with real-world insights into sustainable living.
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Hi Laura,
I love your idea of linking the school more closely with farming and food production in the area. In my school there are very few children from farming backgrounds yet there are farms to be seen all around. It would be great to do farm visits and get in speakers in order to close that gap.
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Finding ways to continue processes throughout time without depleting natural resources is something that interests me much in sustainability. I believe that kids nowadays are more conscious of their surroundings, therefore teaching them these vocabulary and procedures at a young age would help them make better food decisions and inspire them to share the knowledge with their families.
The impacts of non-sustainability, such as global warming and its effects on the ecosystem, animals, and human development, are things I want my kids to learn about. I would ask the kids to consider how wildlife is affected by global warming and name any animals that have gone extinct as a result of practicing non-sustainable practices.A visit to the grocery store or a local farmer to look at the sustainable food labels would also be a great tour
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We are a green school so the conversation and practise around the theme of sustainability is very active. The children are aware that we try to avoid single use plastic and food waste in the classroom. We have walk, cycle and scoot to school days as well as a school garden where we grow vegetables and wild flowers. All of this is a great start but there is certainly quite a bit more that can be done. With Galway 2020 came a green agenda so there are plenty of local initiatives in place to help us become more environmentally aware and increase sustainability – wild gardens, cycle lanes, improved public transport, beach clean ups, recycling etc so I would like the children to be more aware of what is going on and how they have a responsibility to contribute.
This year I would like to focus on
using our green bins at home for junk art and model building
more walk and cycle to school days
helping the children become more responsible consumers and more aware of where products come from and how hey are produced
increased awareness of initiatives in Galway to help sustainability
becoming involved in local clean up drives -
I am delighted to have the opportunity to discuss and share on the forum about a number of local initiatives that practice sustainability in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois. In Abbeyleix we are blessed to have the wonderful Community Garden in the centre of the town, allotments in SweetView on the exit of the town heading out the Ballacolla Rd and the fabulous bog walk also. In the community garden plants, flowers and vegetables are grown outdoors and in a greenhouse . This is a fantastic place to come in the middle of the town and relax with a coffee from one of our many local cafes. Events such as Applefest and swapping plants are held regularly . These are brilliant opportunities to meet your neighbours while buying/swapping plants and vegetables grown locally. The bog walk beside the Manor Hotel is another example of practising sustainability in our area. The allotments afford people who cannot grow plants or vegetables in their own garden the opportunity to sustainably do so. We are proud in Abbeyleix, Tidy Town winners I might add, of playing our part in keeping Carbon Footprint to a minimum!
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I teach in Carrigaline in Co. Cork. It is a fast growing suburban town and while there are some admirable sustainability efforts visible its important to keep pushing for more. The local Supervalu is very proud of its 430 solar panels, which provides much of the store’s electricity. There are of course several new return recycling pods around the town. There are ongoing public realm improvements around the town which prioritise walking and cycling much more than they would have in the past. New housing estates are popping up constantly and the new houses are all A rated with solar panels and heat pumps. The council no longer mows all the grass on verges of the road regularly to allow a wider variety of Irish wildflowers and their pollinators to thrive (although I notice many of the private maintenance companies tending to the estates still spray herbicides and mow regularly to keep it all looking ‘neat’.) The tidy towns as always is a great engine for community development and they do great work in planting native trees and flowers.
In the class I think its really important to critically assess the sustainability efforts around us. Some organisations and businesses are genuinely investing in long term sustainability while others are engaged in ‘greenwashing’. With older classes in particular I think that we should be teaching the children critical thinking skills so that they can see though spin. Its important to show that sustainability is something that they can be part of. We already have a lovely small garden as well as an orchard (no apples yet) and a modest meadow. We have also just started a new school vegetable garden which I hope will spur a raft of more outdoor and sustainable teaching and learning in our school.
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The Return Scheme is a wonderful example of sustainability in our local area. This is a fantastic initiative and has seen a very positive response from the community at large. It is wonderful to see so many bottles being recycled and are also a fantastic way to fundraise for the school. The Keep Cup initiative is another fantastic example of sustainability in my local area. To engage pupils in exploring sustainability, I would start by involving them in local initiatives. For instance, organising a visit to a community garden or a recycling centre can provide hands-on learning experiences. Students could also participate in local clean-up drives or tree-planting events, helping them see the direct impact of their actions. In the classroom, I would encourage pupils to investigate local sustainability efforts through project work. Students will propose their own sustainability initiatives, tailored to their school or local area. By connecting classroom learning with real-world practices, students are more likely to develop a genuine interest in sustainability and understand its importance in their daily lives.
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In my local area and school sustainability is practiced through various community-driven initiatives and policies aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting a greener lifestyle. One of the most notable efforts is the widespread adoption of recycling within our staffroom – this tookawhile to implement as some people weren’t aware recycling had to be clean and dry when disposed of but is a good way to show children that we lead by example. While the students don’t recycle as recently we have implemented a widespread Litterless Lunch initiative. This reduced the waste in our school in general as well as children being more mindfull on how they dispose at home, as well as superlative/excessive tinfoil and cling film. Parents have also expressed how interesting it is to see what their children actually bring home now rather than wasting food by throwing it out
Additionally, in our school there is a strong emphasis on conserving energy. We do a ‘no power hour’ in our school every day. And we have 2 members of the Coiste Glas go around to every classroom every day to turn off unnecessary lights and close the doors to keep in the heat in winter.
Like many other schools, we have a Bike to school and walk to school initiative (we are also fortunate to be situated just by the Greenway which is a blessing when the children need a safe nature walk. We have a Poly-tunnel and Eco-Club. Establishing a school garden where pupils can grow their own vegetables and learn about organic farming was a very powerful tool for us to teach about sustainability. An eco-club can serve as a platform for pupils to lead sustainability initiatives and share their ideas with the school community. In this instance we taught 6th class and helped them plant and then toward the end of the year the leaving 6th class explained how to do it to the current 5th class – what worked and what didn’t. This was a really good opportunity for peer-teaching too
By employing these activities I believe it fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of sustainability among pupils. Encouraging them to think critically about their environmental impact and empowering them to take action will help cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious individuals.
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Sustainability is topical in schools, homes and in the local environment.
Ireland recycles about 60% of drinks containers, but we need to reach 77% by 2025 and 90% in 2029 to meet our targets under the EU single plastics directive. We also need to reach 25% recycled plastic content in PET beverage bottles by December 2025 and 30% by December 2030. Ireland’s Deposit Scheme is a key concept to reach our EU recycling targets. Children are so invested in the Deposit Scheme as they can earn money for themselves or their school. This year our school rolled out a litter pick up which involved collecting bottles and cans, these were then recycled and the money was used for school fundraisers.
We are also aiming to get our Green Schools Flag this coming school year. Green-Schools’ mission is to protect planet Earth as it is our shared home to which we all belong. We are hoping to continue our litter pick up and incorporating that into our Green Schools targets. We also have a bring your litter home with you initiative which allows parents to see how much their child is eating and avoid waste. The Green School’s initiative is a great incentive for children to aim for a flag while becoming aware of their ecological footprint.
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In my local area, sustainability is practiced through various initiatives, such as community gardens, recycling programs, and local farmer’s markets. These efforts not only promote environmental awareness but also encourage residents to make eco-friendly choices. To engage children from the community, I would create interactive programs that connect them with these sustainable practices.
Organizing field trips to local gardens or farms would allow kids to see sustainability in action while learning about the benefits of growing their own food. Workshops focusing on recycling crafts can teach children the importance of reducing waste creatively. Additionally, starting a “green ambassador” program in schools, where students can undertake sustainability projects, would empower them to take actionable steps in their own neighborhoods.
By fostering hands-on experiences, I hope to instill a sense of responsibility and inspire the next generation to prioritize sustainable living in their daily lives
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I thought that I was very good at thinking about sustainability in how I live, shopping, travel, environmental factors etc. After completing this course I realise that there is much more I can do. Even to learn about MSC & ASC food labels and Origin Green, which I had never heard of. This will inform my shopping in the future.
Our school has many initiatives for being environmentally friendly. We are a Green School and we encourage children to be plastic free by using reusable water bottles etc. Our lights work on a sensor so should they be left on they will go off after a short period of time. However children are encouraged to turn off lights etc as we leave classrooms. We also take part in Picker Pals, an initiative to clean our environment. Living close to the sea, many children have taken the opportunity to collect rubbish from our local beaches.
I think that field trips and visits to the classroom by a local sustainability group which was established in our town in 2021 would be a good way to encourage children to think about minding our earth. I really loved how one of the videos in this module said that we didn’t inherit the planet from our parents, rather we borrowed it from our children. I think that this mindset is a good place to begin lessons on sustainability.
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Teaching children about sustainability allows them to think beyond the short term and encourages them to consider the long term impact their actions have on the natural environment. This is so important in today’s world as there is an ever increasing pressure on the world’s different ecosystems due to human activities and a huge population growth in recent times. Our school has many Green Flag Awards, where we strive to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as we can. In our school we place a big emphasis on reducing waste, reducing photocopying and using copy books where possible instead of photocopied sheets. Simple things like not colour printing the parent newsletter anymore or photocopying the school report and sending this through email/aladdin have helped us to reduce waste in our school. We have bin monitors daily to inspect the bins and as much rubbish as possible is recycled. Monitors to check lights are off and doors are closed help us to reduce unnecessary costs to the school and saves the environment. A green school committee are elected every year to devise ways in which we can make our school more sustainable. Children are encouraged to walk/get the bus or cycle where possible and we have an Art poster competition which is displayed throughout our school.
Our senior classes are provided with training on how to cycle safely and they get to practice this over a number of weeks which is a really great idea. More recently our breakfast club which provided free bottles of water to the children every day have switched to reusable plastic cups which has cut down on a lot of disposable plastic use. I believe children are becoming more aware of environmental issues eg how plastics end up in the sea affect the marine life and how the production of palm oil can endanger many species. Interesting lessons on fast fashion can be a good way to show how the choices we make can impact the environment. Also simple things like sectioning an area for wildlife within our school and making a bug hotel have sparked a natural curiousity and an interest in the natural world amongst the students. Next year a visit to look at the different ecosystems at a nearby beach would spark a good discussion on how our actions affect the environment around us.
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I don’t live near my workplace but the area where I live has a lot of active environment friendly groups and initiatives. The local tidy towns plant a lot of window boxes and flower beds in the village each spring and summer. I have noticed they have recently been planting more pollinating plants rather the traditional bedding plants. There are also several areas left grow wild around the village marked with signs like Pardon the weeds, we’re growing food for the bees. The annual best garden competition has an emphasis on wildlife friendly gardens and has published a list of suggestions. There is a weekly litter clean up. There is a local habit of picking up washed up rubbish, ropes and plastic on the beach as people walk on the beach. This seems to have happened organically as people have seen others doing it. The council regularly pick up the rubbish from the car park. The council has changed the lighting to more environmentally friendly lights and the Christmas lights are now turned off sooner. I have noticed more and more people are participating in no mow May.
Some of these initiatives could be brought into the school area like no mow May or wildlife friendly corridors. When planting with the children pollinator plants could be chosen. A small water feature could be placed in a corner of the school grounds. We have participated in Spring clean litter picking before.
Promoting school / home links in conserving water and power and avoiding food waste could be explored. Maybe making younger children sustainability ambassadors. I was really interested in the slides on sustainable labels. I didn’t understand what they really meant and had no idea that dolphin friendly and dolphin safe were two different things. I had never heard of Origin green labels. Displaying these in the classroom would help children recognise this labels when shopping. -
Our school is located in a beautiful area with the Galtee Mt’s in the distance. There a number of local environmental groups who the school has worked with to promote and encourage sustainable practices in the area. In our school we have a Green Schools committee and are now working to achieve a Bioversity flag. As part of this we have reviewed the types of plants on our school grounds. We identified the need for pollinator plants and vegetables in our school garden. In addition we have started to gather rain water from shoots to use in the warmer summer months to water our plants. We also work closely with Tidy Towns on various initiatives including a village clean up, Walk on Wednesdays and car pooling where possible. As part our healthy eating policy children are encouraged to use lunch boxes rather than tin foil or cellophane for sandwiches. The children are also asked to take all waste home to recycle or use as compost. Finally we have gone paperless as much as possible.
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In our school and wider local environment there are many different things happening to bring about sustainability in the community.
In our school environment there are couple of different initiatives ongoing. One of them is reusable bottles to reduce the use of single use plastics. 4th class conducted a survey on how many plastic bottles are thrown away in the school each week. This raised awareness amongst management who have now brought in water dispensers from which the children and staff can refill their bottles from. The also issued each child with a reusable bottle at the beginning of the year.
We have a green schools committee which manage a school garden, encouraging bees and pollination which are so important for the future of our food. The committee also organise litter picking in the locality an regularly remind the staff about keeping in the heat/turning off lights etc.
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Sustainability in Rural Ireland: A Classroom Exploration
Rural Ireland is a tapestry of sustainable practices deeply ingrained in its communities. From traditional farming methods that prioritize biodiversity to the reliance on renewable energy sources like wind and hydro power, sustainability is a way of life. Local communities often exhibit strong connections to the land, with a deep respect for nature and a circular economy mindset.
To engage pupils in exploring local sustainability, I would encourage hands-on investigations. Students could conduct surveys on local energy sources, waste management practices, and transportation habits. By analyzing this data, they can identify areas for improvement and propose innovative solutions. Additionally, field trips to local farms, wind farms, or recycling centers can provide firsthand experiences of sustainable practices.
Through these activities, students can develop a sense of place, understand the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors, and become empowered to contribute to a sustainable future.
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I am fortunate enough to work in a school where the people living in the local area take a lot of pride in the community. There are numerous initiatives and schemes that I have seen in action in the area, the main one that springs to mind is a semi- annual community clean up. This sees volunteers from the community going around the roads and the local park and helping to clean it. It is wonderful to see the level of engagement and that all the people in the area get involved, including many of the parents and children from my school community. The area also does cycling convoys to and from the schools in the area every morning and afternoon.
The enthusiasm of the local community naturally bleeds over into the school and we have had a very active Green School’s Committee in the past. Since the pandemic, there seems to be less enthusiasm for this, which is unfortunate. Obviously the school closures and the methods for preventing spreading the virus that schools implemented had a negative effect on many school initiatives, but it is particularly unfortunate that it really broke the great rhythm that the school had maintained in terms of the various flags. Green Schools has fallen by the wayside which is a pity. However, I and a colleague have agreed to try to spearhead a revival this coming year. She and I are quite enthusiastic about sustainability and environmental awareness, so I am optimistic that we can get the Green School’s Committee back to what it was in the past. -
Write a reflective piece on how sustainability is practiced in your local area and how you would engage your pupils to explore this further.
My school places a massive emphasis on sustainability and this is done through the Green Schools Flag. Our most recent flag was for the theme of water. Each class was asked to come up with a slogan for ensuring people do not waste water in our school. The winning slogan is very catchy and the whole school says it twice a day at the end of playtime. The Green School also collected data to illustrate how much water we use a day in the school. The children were shocked with the findings and became more aware of leaving taps running. For our other themes we promote walking to school as often as possible or using public transport. We have bought bike/scooter railing to encourage children to cycle/scoot to school too. Each child gets a hot lunch in our school and are encouraged to bring all waste home to dispose of properly. We encourage parents to cancel hot lunches if children are absent to avoid food waste. Children are given titles such as light monitor and door monitor to reduce usage of electricity and heating. Our HSCL also collects old uniforms to give out to children. We often have toy donation days and this is to resource our classrooms with toys that are not being used anymore but are in perfect condition. I think going forward as a whole school we could link in with the local tidy towns to keep our area tidy. The children also have the opportunity to grow various fruits, vegetables and plants in our school garden.
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This rural county in the heart of Ireland is embracing sustainability through various initiatives that aim to protect the environment, promote social well-being, and support economic vitality. As an educator, I see great potential in using these local sustainability practices as a springboard to engage my pupils in meaningful exploration and learning. By connecting classroom lessons to real-world examples from their own community, I can inspire students to become active participants in creating a sustainable future. I would encourage students to undertake projects that investigate local sustainability practices. For example, they could research the impact of organic farming on biodiversity or examine the effectiveness of local recycling programs. These projects would involve both classroom research and fieldwork, such as visiting farms or recycling centers. Organizing field trips to organic farms, wind farms, or conservation sites in Roscommon would give students firsthand experience of sustainability in action. These visits would be supplemented with discussions and reflections on how these practices contribute to broader environmental and social goals. I would incorporate sustainability themes across various subjects, such as science, geography, and social studies. For example, in science, students could learn about the carbon cycle and its relevance to bogland conservation, while in geography, they could explore the impact of renewable energy on local landscapes.
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