Encourage students to go plastic free this World Environment Day
UN World Environment Day is coming up on 5th June, creating the perfect opportunity to have classroom discussions around the positive ‘micro’ actions we can all take to make a difference when it comes to climate change…
Each year according to the UN more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year worldwide, half of which is designed to be used only once. Of that, shockingly, only 10% is recycled.
This year on World Environment Day, there’s a global push to join the #BeatPlasticPollution movement – a drive that lends itself to both individual and whole school efforts. So with 80% of young people wanting to do more to help look after the environment according to Natural England why not use the day to inspire action across your learning environment?
Our Role Models Climate resource is a great place to start. It has been created by young people (in higher education) for young people (currently in school or college) and comes with an accompanying teacher workbook so that you can plan a whole lesson, assembly, or discussion session around it.
The workbook helps young people explore their knowledge of the climate crisis as well as the proactive actions they can take to have a positive impact - from small single actions to longer term lifestyle changes.
The message of UN World Environment Day is that every action, no matter how small, matters, so why not also encourage every one of your students to make a small change to mark the day? Below are some simple ideas you might want to initiate in your school or college:
- Hold a lunch time litter pick around your school and community with a focus on plastic waste
- Encourage your students to embrace plastic free lunches for the week
- Hold a competition to design posters encouraging positive lifestyle changes
- Read our interview with Cardinal Newman Catholic School's Eco Ambassadors to get more activity inspiration
Together, we can help young people start to make the positive change they’re so keen to be a part of…