Hello EcoTeams! Wrap up the 2018 calendar year by running one, some, or all of the campaigns below. You can claim many of the activities in your certification application – please review the 2018-19 Certification Guides for full criteria and to see where the activity fits best. And don’t forget to plan ahead for a green holiday season!
World Soil Day: December 5, 2018
In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly initiated the first World Soil Day. December 5 is annually marked as a time to focus on the health and wellbeing of soil and its role as a foundation for ecosystems and food chains. 2018’s theme is “Be the solution to soil pollution.”
- Ontario EcoSchools provides many resources related to this subject, including a Local Food Awareness kit, a School Grounds Clean Up kit, and a curriculum-linked lesson on classroom vermicomposting.
- Visit the UN FAO website for additional details, 2018 resources and event information. #StopSoilPollution
International Mountain Day: December 11, 2018
Since 2003, December 11 is the day to raise awareness about mountains as habitats, the challenges they present to populations, and the dangers they face from development.
- Much of the world’s fresh water sources stem from mountains. Connect students to water issues both around the world and in their own backyards using our Water Awareness and Action kit.
- Draw on our comprehensive Making Connections resource to engage learning in, about and for the environment with students.
- Follow this lesson plan on teaching kids about their ecological footprint and how we can all learn to tread a little lighter on the planet.
- Visit the UN FAO website for International Mountain Day for more information, key messaging resources and more, and engage on social media with #MountainsMatter.
Green Holidays
Celebrate the end of 2018 with some of the following eco-friendly practices that include saving energy, minimizing waste, flexing your creative muscle and more.
- 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 local food and seasonal soups, stews, and baking to stay cozy.
- Get outside in all weathers: 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.
Please share your December actions with us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We’d love to hear from you!
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