Plan ahead: green holidays & set a New Year’s Resolution

There are just a couple of weeks until the holiday break! This is always a welcome time to slow down, get outside, and reconnect to the natural world as the seasons change from cooler air and falling leaves to the quiet beauty of the first snowfall. Want to incorporate your eco-spirit into holiday celebrations at school? Why not build in some of these green winter activities into your celebrations:

Green Holidays

  • Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a lights-out lunch.
  • Host a Swap Shop of warm winter garments to share what you have collectively instead of buying new, while sticking true to the 6Rs: Rethink/Reinvent, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse/Repair, Recycle, Replace/Rebuy.
  • Whip up some yummy seasonal soups, stews, and baking to stay cozy.
  • Discover a new park or trail and spend an afternoon observing what you see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. Take photos, sketch, or record in a nature journal.
  • From classic favourites like paper snowflakes (using recycled cards) to bird-approved ornaments, here are 12 crafty creations to make your holiday season sustainably festive.

Set an #ecoresolution

By taking part in the Ontario EcoSchools program, you’re likely already setting and achieving environmental goals throughout the year. However, the holiday break can provide reflective time break to re-ground yourself in your eco values and remember what inspires you to continue making a difference at school and in your communities. If you’re on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, please share your #ecoresolution with us!

February Campaigns

Speaking of New Year’s Resolutions, here’s an idea: plan one of these popular energy conservation campaigns to make the most of these chillier days.

  • Bundle up! National Sweater Day is on Thursday, February 1st. Turn down the heat by a couple of degrees and encourage students to dress up in their most fabulous (or outrageous) sweaters to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Want to go further? Extend this campaign throughout the week, or even month to amplify your impact. If you have custodial staff on your EcoTeam, ask if they can help you track energy savings and share results at an assembly!
  • Step into the snow! Winter Walk Day takes place on Wednesday, February 7th. This is a great day to plan a Walk/Roll/Ride to school activity and show that sometimes staying warm is as simple as getting moving on the way to and from school!