The girls in Mary Queen of Ireland school have been busy green-storming and discussing ideas for “Our Green New Year’s Resolutions” during the month of January . They came up with fantastic ideas and ways for us all to offset our carbon footprints .They wanted to share them with the whole school community and to raise awareness also. We all have a part to play in slowing down Climate Change. If we all focus on making positive environmental changes this year our combined efforts will make a huge impact !
Here is the final list which the Green Team compiled from all the ideas discussed in the classes. Well done to all the classes who took the time to discuss this topic!
Our Green New Year’s Resolutions
1.Zero Waste Lunches 🥙 Use less packaging or better still no plastic packaging at all when packing school lunches. An airtight container or some reusable beeswax wraps will keep food fresh. Cut out clingfilm and tinfoil use .
2.Bring your Own Reusable Bottle We are a single use plastic bottle free school . Use a reusable bottle each day for your water. This can make a significant difference to our environment through cutting down on production of plastic.
3.Reduce Paper Usage 🧻📝 Reduce use of paper towels in school (2/3 sheets is plenty when drying hands) Reduce paper waste by not skipping pages in copies . Also use both sides of sheets when photocopying .
4.Eliminate Phantom Energy 📺🖨💻 Phantom energy is used by electronic devices that continue to draw energy even though we think they are “off”. Any device with a “standby” setting is an energy vampire! These can add up to 10% to our monthly energy bills and waste a lot of energy!
5.Last One Out Turn Off the Light 💡 Always turn off lights when not necessary and when not using a room. Not only will you save energy but you will save money in your electricity bills!
6.Hang Out Your Clothes to Dry 👗 Don’t waste energy on overusing your dryer.
7.Wear Extra Layers in Colder Weather ❄️ instead of turning up the heating . You will save energy and reduce your bills.
8.You have the Power to Reduce your Shower🚿 By shortening your showers at least 1minute each time you can save water ,save energy and save money on bills! Use a timer to remind you whilst showering !
9.Boil the Kettle Sensibly ☕️ Don’t fill up your kettle when boiling it as this wastes energy.
10.Turn Off the Tap 🚰 Don’t leave the tap running when you are washing your hands or face or when you are brushing your teeth.
11.Plant a Tree during 2022 🌳 Trees release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide(stopping it from entering our atmosphere)
12.Buy Locally Grown Food 🥗 Support local farmers and cut down on pollution from vehicle emissions caused by transporting food.
13.Walk, Cycle or Scoot to School 🚴 This greatly reduces our individual carbon footprints!
14.Get Involved in Local Community Cleanups 🧹🪣 🧽 Take pride in your local environment . Keep your neighbourhood tidy and litter free . Scoop the poop if you have a pet . Recycle your waste into correct bins. ♻️
”Every Change No Matter How Small Makes A Difference to Us All !”
We hope that you will join us in helping our environment ! 😊