December is a month filled with opportunities to develop campaigns and take action with your school community. Check out the below suggestions from our Eco Calendar for inspiration. Are we missing something important? Email us at info [at] ecoschools [dot] ca and let us know!
World Soil Day: December 5, 2019
- The Food and Agriculture Organizaton of the United Nations (FAO) does a fantastic job of laying out the importance of soil health for ecosystems, agriculture, and human well-being. 2019’s theme is “#StopSoilErosion, Save Our Future.” Find campaign resources, social media content, and tons of information on the FAO website.
- Discover the magic of worms in your classroom by building a vermicomposter. It’s a fun, hands-on project that promotes year-round learning and a vehicle for discussing the importance of healthy soil and waste reduction.
- As winter approaches, learn about the importance of mulching trees and plants, and organize a school ground clean-up campaign to tidy your community before the snow sets in.
International Mountain Day: December 11, 2019
- While mountains may seem immovable and eternal, they are crucial to supporting unique ecosystems, habitats, and cultures. The UN FAO website hosts a wealth of information on why #MountainsMatter to plants, animals, and human populations around the world.
- Use and adapt our lesson plans on travel and ecotourism in Canada, the geographic patterns and issues of North America, and physical geography as it relates to climate change.
Eco-friendly holidays
While the holidays often involves using a lot of materials and energy for gifts and decorations, a little creativity can go a long way in helping you reduce your energy and waste footprint. Here are a few suggestions of ways you can take action:
- 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.