As part of our recycling program, we created skits that taught students how to separate waste. This helped students become aware of the types of packaging that are recyclable, as well as introducing them to the three R´s. We also compost our organic waste and recycle other waste into three different streams; paper, refundable containers and other recyclables. Every Friday, the Environment Club rinses out the green composting bins, counts refundable containers and separates the recyclables. We also encourage everyone to use both sides of the paper before recycling it.

We created a "Litterless Lunch Challenge". Students and staff were asked to limit the garbage in their lunches for three weeks. During this time, data was collected, monitored and shared with the school community to raise awareness of waste production and the environmental impacts.

For Earth Day this year, classes participated in the cleanup of school grounds and making a mosaic poster. We also made bird feeders using reused pop bottles, filling them with string and branches. Overall, our main focus this year was to learn how to implement creative school-wide initiatives which place an emphasis on how changes in individual behaviour can have significant positive impacts on our environment.

Richard Derible