Vision

Our Eco Club’s plan was to learn about the importance and impact of food on the environment, from seed to compost and all the stages in between.

Action

Our group reinstated the Green Bin in the Classrooms Program and learned about the benefits of composting organic waste to create new nutrient-rich soil. We purchased air-purifying plants for each classroom, which also has been shown to help improve mental health and well-being. We also purchased a grow-light kit and started vegetable plants from seed, which Eco Club members will be able to take home and plant in their own gardens once the weather warms up. We have purchased canning jars to be used next autumn. This will extend the learning to teach students about the benefits of purchasing local produce and learning techniques for preserving seasonal items to reduce waste and take advantage of locally grown foods during their growing season, thus reducing the amount of imported food purchased.

Reflection & Celebration

Eco Club participants have demonstrated that their knowledge of planting, growing and harvesting has increased throughout the year, and becoming directly involved in the Green Bins in the Classrooms Program has increased their awareness of the importance of composting organic waste rather than just throwing it in the garbage. Everyone, staff and students alike, comment on the plants we are growing, and the Eco Club members are excited about taking home their plants. They are also excited to learn about ways to preserve food, and are already thinking about projects we can undertake next year!