Environmentally savvy teaching

Times have certainly changed from the time we were all at school, especially when it comes to having an environmentally friendly classroom. Teachers had limited resources back in the day and the only way that they could share information was to make copy after copy and killing thousands of trees! In today’s day and age, school classrooms are actually perfect for practising conservation. Children of today are very much aware of what is going on and they care a lot about the planet. The below tips can help create the perfect eco-friendly environment.

COLLECT WATER AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
Saving water has become one of our most important tasks. We all know that we usually sit in the situation where there are water restrictions or cuts without warning. If you can generate clean wastewater from a cooking or science project, this water can be used to water plants in the classroom and around the school, for example.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL
All of us are guilty when it comes to changing the aircon temperature ten million times a day. When there is sunshine on warm summer days, crack open the windows and let the breeze bring freshness into the classroom. We all know winters in South Africa can be harsh, but there is nothing that warms up a classroom like sunlight streaming in. This will also allow to turn lights off for further energy-saving.

GO GREEN AND ADD SOME PLANTS TO THE MIX
Takealot makes thousands of rands when it comes to selling air purifiers, but nature has already given us a natural alternative: plants! Not only do they purify the air, but makes any space pretty and relaxing and lowers stress levels. Ivy and bamboo plants are excellent choices when it comes to the classroom.

PAPERLESS IS THE WAY TO GO!
Technology has made it possible to go paperless. If you have a laptop and a projector, this can assist in teaching learners about efficient note-taking. Documentation can be sorted and kept in either a drive or cloud, which will prevent teachers from carting around ten million files and being dependent on a copier. If you really need to print something, compostable paper and recycling will help keep the green trend going.

ASSEMBLE A “GREEN TEAM”
A lot of energy is wasted during times when classrooms and school building are unoccupied. At the end of the day, the Green Team which will consist of learners in the classroom can be tasked to sweep, make sure the recycling bins are correctly utilised, turn off lights and check that no taps are dripping.

SNACK TIME – GO THE GREEN ROUTE
How we all love a good class party! When the time comes for the next one, make sure that biodegradable cups and plates are used and cater with paper straws. Nothing makes the planet cringe more than plastic, so go the green route!

Teachers are forever busy multi-tasking and adding another task to the list might seem daunting. The fact of the matter is, by creating a green classroom your part will be done in helping to save the planet and by incorporating more technology into the mix, you will also collaborate more with your learners and keep up with the latest trends. It’s a win-win situation!