The EcoKids of Montessori–The Place to Grow.

This year we focused on continuing our composting and recycling programs. However, we were also able to work on developing a new program to link our students with the environment and the seniors in our community. Here in Chatham, there isn´t very much greenery. In our area there is less than 2% tree cover. We decided to start the "Garden Buddies" Program. The program links seniors and families together in our neighbourhood to plant vegetables. Seniors who are at risk of having to give up their gardening hobby because of physical limitations are now able to continue gardening with our help. All of the fresh produce grown by the gardeners is shared and the community is now more educated about gardening.

Another activity that we participated in was picking up garbage at our nearby park. Every morning we go out and make sure that our park is clean and that garbage that can be recycled goes to the right disposal bin. We always participate in our local "Pitch In" campaign too. For one week in April, we usually clean up several blocks around our school. We sort the garbage and put the recycling into recycle bins.

Our school is very environmentally-conscious. We encourage students to bring reusable containers in their lunches. We also try to conserve as much energy as possible. It is the responsibility of the last student in the class to turn out the lights. We make sure that we use both sides of the paper and we always try to use recycled paper. We don´t kill bugs when we find them inside. Instead, we let them go outside because we know they help the plants and are an important part of the food chain.

We also try to reduce greenhouse gases by walking to and from fieldtrips instead of taking gas-guzzling vehicles like buses. We like doing this because it lets us explore the outdoors while we walk to our fieldtrip locations. This is good for us and good for the planet too!

Sally Joyce