Back in 2019 I was invited to the local high school to discuss with the students about their ideas on living sustainably and creating some sustainable projects around the school, and to this day it has proven to be one of the happier decisions I’ve made.
1. Building a Sustainable Future: The Inception of Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Engaging in various projects around the school has proven to be one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. Our journey began with small discussions in the resources centre, involving a handful of students, a couple of teachers, and a local council representative (special thanks to Veronica K.). The initial focus was on addressing the lack of a comprehensive recycling program within the school.
2. Recycling Revolution: Implementing a School-wide Program in Weeks
During our first meeting, students identified the shortcomings, devised a draft outline for a recycling program, and within a few weeks, a fully functional program was implemented. This initiative encompassed the introduction of new bins, strategic placements, and a systematic plan for collection and delivery of recyclables to the market.
3. Cultivating Sustainability: From School Gardens to Dining Tables
As the momentum built, the students expressed a desire to incorporate more locally grown food into their diet. Their solution? Cultivating their own produce in school gardens. In a remarkable display of initiative, students collaborated with the commissary staff to integrate their homegrown produce into the school menu. The enthusiasm and consistency displayed by the students, from cultivation to market, is truly remarkable.
4. From Scraps to Riches: Sustainable Practices in Vegetable Scrap Management
Recognizing the need for sustainability, the students established a compost area for vegetable scraps. Additionally, they designed and installed a rainwater harvesting system for garden irrigation, complemented by an off-grid pumping system featuring a solar panel, a 12-volt pump, and a battery, making the project both efficient and portable.
5. Harvesting Success: Students as Producers and Entrepreneurs
The fruits of their labour materialize as students harvest produce for a weekly market, where they set up tables during the summer months for direct sales to the public. The success of this project is evident not only in local sales but also in collaborations with businesses and availability at a nearby grocery store. The students have become the driving force behind a self-sustaining food production system at their school.
6. Winter Farming Innovation: The Birth of the Sustainable Grow Initiative
Looking ahead, the students contemplated the challenges of winter and proposed the concept of a ‘Sustainable Grow Initiative.’ A brainstorming session led to the acquisition of a sea-can, transforming it into a vital addition to the Oilfield High School project. Now, students can produce herbs and micro-greens throughout the winter, ensuring a year-round impact on the local market.
7. A Legacy of Sustainability: Students’ Dedication to Eco-Friendly Initiatives
In summary, the evolution of these projects at the school showcases the students’ dedication to sustainability and community engagement. From recycling programs to winter farming, their initiatives continue to make a positive impact, promising a sustainable legacy for years to come.
https://www.foothillsschooldivision.ca/oilfields/page/2380/vertical-farming-initiative