Education is a powerful tool in nurturing sustainable habits, and it is crucial to cultivate a genuine passion for understanding the underlying reasons behind our behaviours. This principle holds true for all forms of education, including the promotion of environmental consciousness and sustainable goals among children. By fostering curiosity about the world, the environment, and its diverse biodiversity, we establish a solid foundation for instilling a sense of responsibility for the environment. A shining exemplar of this approach is G.D. Goenka Public School, Dwarka, which transcends traditional notions of curriculum and infrastructure. It is a school where the entire community collaboratively supports global sustainability and climate action, envisioning a future that is healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable.
In the realm of sustainable development, the elements of water, food, air, land, and energy form an intricate nexus at its core. Acknowledging the interconnectedness, our school has conducted audits in each of these areas to create awareness among students through immersive and thought-provoking activities.
Cultivating Biodiversity: The Thriving Green Cover
A paramount initiative undertaken by G.D. Goenka Public School, Dwarka, revolves around the cultivation and preservation of a thriving green cover within the school campus and its surroundings. By planting native species of plants, we not only enhance biodiversity but also contribute to the overall well-being of our ecosystem. Additionally, we take pride in maintaining a herbal garden, which serves as a testament to our commitment to conserving plants with historical significance for healthcare and culinary traditions.
Nurturing Healthy Eating Habits: Mindful Choices
Promoting healthy eating habits is also a paramount concern at our institution. Instead of relying on packaged foods that are often laden with unhealthy quantities of fats, sugars, and salt, our school ensures that cooked meals are provided. By doing so, we prioritize the consumption of nutritious food, thereby fostering a culture of mindful eating among our students. Furthermore, the school condemns the consumption of junk food and carbonated drinks.
Water Conservation: Optimizing Rainwater Harvesting
In recognition of the significance of water conservation, we have implemented effective rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems. Our school endeavours to harness and optimize rainwater resources, as well as employ treated wastewater efficiently. We conduct thorough cleanings before and after the monsoon season to guarantee the proper functioning of these RWH systems. The collected water is subsequently instrumentalized for a multitude of purposes, including watering plants, maintaining hygienic washrooms, cleaning utensils in our canteen, and ensuring the cleanliness of our school buses.
Waste Management: A Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
Waste management poses an immense responsibility for educational institutions, often entailing formidable challenges. G.D. Goenka Public School, Dwarka, tackles this issue with utmost seriousness by adopting a range of strategies, emphasizing the proper segregation and disposal of waste.
Composting stands as a vital tool through which children develop a profound appreciation for environmental responsibility and waste management. Our school facilitates this learning process by maintaining an on-premises compost pit, enabling students to witness firsthand the decomposition processes and understand the organic waste cycle. This experiential education not only instils a sense of waste accountability but also nurtures students’ understanding of the significance of recycling organic matter.
Recycling: Transforming Waste into Wealth
Speaking of recycling, G.D. Goenka Public School, Dwarka, acknowledges its pivotal role in both environmental and socio-economic spheres. Recycling is not merely a process to convert waste into reusable products but also a catalyst for positive change in our environment, society, and economy. Given the urgent global concern of climate change and its far-reaching consequences, recycling has assumed unparalleled importance. Our school has dedicated itself to the mission of waste-to-wealth conversion, collaborating enthusiastically with Green-O-Tech India for the past nine years. Through this partnership, we recycle waste paper, transforming it into a plethora of practical and eco-friendly products such as folders, diaries, pencils, and jute bags. This initiative is a testament to our deep commitment to waste reduction, fostering the growth of a circular economy, and supporting the livelihoods of those involved in the recycling industry.
Initiative to be part of UNESCO’s Green Academies
Ms Anita Khosla, the Principal of our school, is a strong advocate for an evolving education system that encourages sustainable solutions to environmental issues. With her guidance, our school has taken the initiative to be a part of UNESCO’s Green Academies. This program aims to sensitize young minds and encourage their active participation in achieving a sustainable lifestyle, both within the school and in their communities.
As a silver medallist in Masters in Botany and a keynote content writer for the curriculum of Food, Nutrition & Dietetics and Biology for classes XI & XII, Ms Khosla understands the importance of empowering students to work in regard to water security, clean energy, biomass production, and waste management. By focusing on these four pillars, we hope to make a positive impact on our environment.
We were honoured to welcome Mr. Benno Böer, Chief of Natural Sciences Unit at UNESCO New Delhi, to our school recently. He expressed his appreciation for our efforts in creating awareness and promoting a sustainable environment within the community. By incorporating UNESCO’s Green Academies into our extracurricular activities, we will be able to provide our students with environmental knowledge and climate-resilience skills, furthering their development as sensible global citizens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, G.D. Goenka Public School, Dwarka, stands as an exemplar of a green educational institution that goes above and beyond in promoting sustainable practices and environmental awareness among its students. By nurturing a passion for comprehending the reasons behind our behaviours, we instil an unrelenting sense of environmental responsibility that will go beyond our students’ lives. Our efforts toward maintaining a lush green cover, promoting healthy eating habits, implementing efficient rainwater harvesting systems, safeguarding waste management practices, and embracing recycling affirm our commitment to cultivating future leaders who will steer the world toward a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable tomorrow. As we continue on this transformative journey, we invite other educational institutions and individuals alike to join us in this important endeavour for a greener, brighter future.
