Today, as the world celebrates Earth Day and we engage in Earth Day reflections at our school, we are reminded by CNN that although global efforts to combat plastic pollution are underway, only 9% of plastic is actually recycled. This statistic starkly highlights the need for more sustainable living practices, a commitment that we at Keystone School take seriously, not just today but every day. This is part of our commitment to maintaining our 2023 Gold EcoSchools Canada status for the foreseeable future.
At our new school location in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto, Earth Day was marked with enthusiasm and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Our students and staff participated in a neighbourhood cleanup at Taddle Creek Park and Huron Street Playground. Students armed themselves with gloves and colour-coded trash bags to clear the litter scattered around our community. This hands-on activity not only helped beautify our area but also instilled a sense of responsibility and pride in our students.
In line with our ongoing commitment to sustainability and inspired by our continued Earth Day reflections, we implement several environmentally conscious initiatives throughout the year. “Meatless Mondays” encourage our school community to opt for vegetarian meals, reducing our carbon footprint and promoting healthier eating habits. Additionally, our weekly “Waste-Free Lunches” initiative challenges students to bring lunches without generating any waste, emphasising the importance of reusables and compostables.
These programs are part of our broader effort to educate and engage our students in sustainable practices. The goal is not only to celebrate Earth Day but to foster a school community where every day is an opportunity to make eco-friendly choices. Through these efforts, we hope to inspire not only our students but also the wider community to embrace a greener lifestyle.
The joy and satisfaction we witnessed in the students as they played in the playground after their cleanup efforts was a perfect reminder of why we do what we do. These activities not only enhance our community and environment but also enrich our students’ lives, teaching them valuable lessons in environmentalism and responsibility.
As a Gold member of EcoSchools Canada, we are committed to leading by example. We believe that through education and action, we can make a substantial impact on our planet. Let’s continue to strive for a greener, more sustainable world, where every action counts towards preserving our environment for future generations.
As CNN stated in their article this morning, “The world is celebrating Earth Day today — but the truth is, we could all live a ‘greener’ lifestyle to better preserve our planet.” There are no truer sentiments than this!
