Contents of this page
We include Subject knowledge information to support educators on most of the topics we cover
- What should educators ask themselves about their school
- Earth Steward Literacy
- One Stop shop information about Circular Economy & Sustainability in your school
- Earth Stewardship and behaviour change
- Tools for Schools – Integrating values
- Sustainable Schools Actions and Curriculum
- 10Rs
- Resources For Educators
.
What should educators ask themselves?
- How does your school currently integrate environmental education and Earth stewardship into the curriculum across different subjects and year groups?
- What opportunities do your learners have to engage in hands-on activities or outdoor learning that promote sustainability and a connection to nature?
- Are there any specific initiatives or programmes in place to encourage learners to understand and practise concepts like the circular economy or sustainable living?
- How does your school involve the wider school community (parents, staff, and local organisations) in fostering an ethos of sustainability and responsibility for Earth’s resources?
- What steps does the school take to model sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, or managing resources like food and water?
- How do you support learners in developing positive attitudes and mental resilience towards environmental challenges, fostering hope and action for a sustainable future?
School Earth Stewardship
Sustainability and Engagement in the Circular Economy
Our School’s sustainability is crucial because we play a pivotal role in shaping future generations’ understanding of the environment and their responsibilities toward it. Teaching sustainability and the circular economy in schools not only empowers our learners to take proactive steps in protecting the planet but also influences the broader community, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom.
Earth Steward Literacy
What is Earth Steward Literacy?
Earth Steward Literacy refers to the knowledge, skills, values, and actions required to take responsibility for protecting and sustaining Earth’s resources and ecosystems. It goes beyond environmental awareness, empowering individuals to become active caretakers of the planet. This concept integrates environmental science, social responsibility, and practical solutions for addressing sustainability challenges.
Key components of Earth Steward Literacy include:
Knowledge:
Understanding Earth’s systems (e.g., water, soil, air, biodiversity).
Recognising the impact of human activity on the environment.
Familiarity with concepts such as the circular economy, sustainable development, and climate resilience.
Skills:
Critical thinking to evaluate environmental issues.
Problem-solving to design sustainable solutions.
Collaboration and communication to advocate for positive change.
Values and Attitudes:
A sense of interconnectedness with nature and other living beings.
A commitment to sustainability and ecological justice.
Hope and resilience in addressing environmental challenges.
Action:
Participating in sustainable practices (e.g., reducing waste, conserving energy).
Leading or supporting community projects that promote sustainability.
Advocating for policies and behaviours that protect the environment.
One stop Shop for establishing The Circular Economy and Sustainability in your school
You will find
Explainations and Audit tools for your school
Details about Earth Stewardship Codes
and of course all our characters bringing sustainability /circular economy thinking and the creation of infinite resources to your schools.
The principles of the circular economy—such as reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling—are highly relevant in a school setting. These principles can be integrated into school operations, teaching, and learning activities in several ways.
Resource Management
Schools can reduce waste by promoting the reuse of materials, such as reusing paper, recycling plastics, and composting food waste. Implementing circular economy practices in school operations demonstrates how resource efficiency can be achieved and sets a real-world example for learners
Curriculum Integration
Educators can embed circular economy principles into various subjects, helping learners understand the importance of sustainable practices in everyday life. For instance, in science classes, learners can lead & learn about the environmental impact of waste and the importance of sustainable consumption. In design and technology, learners can explore the concept of product life cycles and how items can be designed for reuse and recycling
Active Participation
Schools can involve students in projects that promote sustainability, like organising recycling drives, creating community gardens, or designing eco-friendly school infrastructure. By actively engaging learners in these initiatives, they can apply their learning to real-world scenarios, strengthening their commitment to eco-friendly practices
Earth Stewardship and Behaviour Change
Earth stewardship involves understanding and taking responsibility for the environment, both locally and globally. This concept aligns well with the values of sustainability and the circular economy and can be a powerful tool in changing behaviours within schools and the community. Earth stewardship in schools can influence behaviour change in several ways
Promoting Sustainable Practices
Earth stewardship encourages learners, educators and communities to adopt sustainable behaviours, such as conserving energy, reducing waste, and supporting eco-friendly products. This mindset helps create a culture of sustainability within the school and spreads beyond its walls
Leadership by Example
When school leadership and educators model sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption, using green products, and fostering an eco-conscious environment, they set a powerful example for learners. Schools can serve as role models for the local community, showing how small changes can have a significant impact
Creating a Long-Term Mindset
By integrating Earth stewardship principles into the school culture, learners learn to view sustainability not as a one-time effort but as an ongoing responsibility. Earth stewardship encourages them to consider the long-term consequences of their actions and to make decisions that benefit both the planet and future generations.
Influencing Behaviour Change in the School, Community, and Stakeholders
To effectively influence behavior change within the school and its surrounding community, sustainability education should be integrated at all levels. This can be achieved through using our audit tools and characters to create a climate of change
Collaborative Initiatives
Schools should work with local communities, stakeholders, families and parents to create shared sustainability goals and initiatives. For example, community-wide recycling programs or sustainability-focused events can help extend the impact beyond the school to the local area.
Partnerships with Stakeholders
Schools can join us. Also, partner with local businesses, environmental organisations, and other stakeholders to develop sustainability initiatives, such as energy-saving campaigns or waste reduction efforts. These collaborations can strengthen your school’s sustainability efforts and foster a broader culture of environmental responsibility
Curricular and Extracurricular Alignment
Earth stewardship and sustainability should be embedded not only in formal learning but also in extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports teams, house teams, eco school activities, community service. When sustainability becomes a core value throughout all school activities, your learners are more likely to adopt these behaviours in their daily lives
Tools for Schools
For Measuring Sustainability and Circular Economy in your school.
Integrating Values into the life of your school
.
Respect for Nature
Foster a deep appreciation and care for all living things and natural resources. Encourage actions that protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
Follow the Pathways
Collaboration for Sustainability Inspire teamwork and shared problem-solving to address environmental challenges. Build partnerships within schools and communities to advance the circular economy.
Responsibility for Actions
Promote accountability for personal and collective decisions that impact the environment. Cultivate habits of sustainability, such as reducing waste and conserving energy.
Hope and Innovation for the Future
Empower learners to envision and contribute to a thriving, sustainable world. Celebrate creativity and innovation in finding solutions to environmental issues.
Our Sustainable Schools
Actions
In conjunction with our curriculum models
Our schools can adopt a wide range of actions to become Earth stewards of sustainability and the circular economy within our school estates. Below you will find a list of actions that can inspire behavioural change, foster environmental and Earth Resource responsibility, and serve as educational opportunities for learners
NOT ALL SUGGESTIONS FIT ALL ALL SCHOOLS-
They depend on location of your school in the world
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Switch to Renewable Energy Sources: Install solar panels or wind turbines to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Energy Audits: Conduct regular audits to identify and address energy inefficiencies.
LED Lighting: Replace traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient LED options.
Smart Technology: Use sensors and timers to manage lighting and heating efficiently.
Eco-Friendly Heating: Transition to ground-source or air-source heat pumps.
Water Conservation
Water Harvesting Systems: Install rainwater collection systems for irrigation and toilet flushing.
Efficient Fixtures: Use low-flow taps and toilets to reduce water consumption.
Leak Monitoring: Regularly check and repair leaks to minimise wastage,
Greywater Recycling: Implement systems to reuse water from sinks for non-potable purposes.
Waste Reduction and Management
Composting Stations: Set up compost bins for food waste and garden clippings.
Recycling Systems: Provide accessible and well-labelled recycling bins for paper, plastics, metals, and glass.
Reduce Single-Use Items: Eliminate disposable cutlery, plates, and bottles in favour of reusable alternatives.
Circular Economy Initiatives: Encourage the repair, reuse, or repurposing of school equipment and furniture.
Plastic-Free Campaigns: Minimize or eliminate single-use plastics on school grounds.
We encourage the use of the 10Rs
.
Sustainable Food Practices
Local Sourcing: Partner with local farmers for sustainable food supplies.
School Gardens: Grow vegetables and fruits to teach learners about food production and reduce food miles. Look at Energy in heated green houses
Meat-Free Days: Introduce plant-based meal options to lower the carbon footprint of school meals.
Food Waste Monitoring: Track and reduce food waste in the cafeteria.
Green Infrastructure
Biodiversity Spaces: Develop wildlife gardens, green roofs, or ponds to enhance biodiversity. Sensory gardens for mindfulness
Tree Planting: Create shaded areas and increase carbon capture by planting native trees.
Pollinator Habitats: Install bee hotels and wildflower meadows. Understand the range of pollinators.
Permeable Surfaces: Use materials that allow water infiltration to reduce runoff.
Transportation
Walking and Cycling Initiatives: Encourage walking, cycling, and the use of scooters to school.
Bike Parking: Provide secure and weather-protected bike storage.
Carpool Programs: Promote ride-sharing among staff and parents to reduce emissions.
Electric Vehicle Charging: Install EV charging points for staff and visitors.
Procurement and Resource Management
Green Procurement Policies: Prioritize eco-friendly products and services.
Second-Hand Supplies: Source furniture and equipment through circular economy networks.
Digital Transition: Reduce paper usage by adopting digital tools and platforms.
Building Design and Retrofitting
.Eco-Friendly Materials: Use sustainable materials in renovations and new builds.
Insulation Improvements: Upgrade insulation to enhance energy efficiency.Natural Ventilation: Design buildings to maximize airflow and reduce reliance on air conditioning.
Monitoring and Reporting
Environmental Targets: Set measurable goals for energy, water, and waste reduction.
Progress Reporting: Regularly share sustainability achievements with the school community.
Eco-Certifications: Work towards certifications such as Eco-Schools or LEED for Schools.(USA)
Try these activities as a starting point
Integrating Earth Stewardship Values into Everyday School Life
Respect for Nature
Morning Activities: Begin the day with short reflections, quotes, or videos that highlight the beauty and importance of nature.
Outdoor Learning: Regularly schedule outdoor lessons, nature walks, or gardening sessions to connect learners with local ecosystems.
Classroom Environment: Use sustainable materials for classroom decoration and involve learners in maintaining green spaces or indoor plants.
Responsibility for Actions
Daily Practices: Introduce eco-friendly habits such as switching off lights, reducing paper usage, and sorting waste into recycling bins. Eco-Monitor Roles: Assign learners as Earth Steward Characters to encourage sustainable practices in classrooms and common areas. Personal Challenges: Promote initiatives like “Waste-Free Wednesday” or “Plastic-Free Week” to inspire individual responsibility.
Collaboration for Sustainability
Group Projects: Encourage learners to work together on sustainability projects, such as creating posters on energy conservation or building a mini compost system.
School Partnerships: Collaborate with local environmental organisations for workshops, tree-planting days, or clean-up drives.
Earth Stewards Council: Establish a student-led Eco-Council tooled, brainbuzz and implement sustainability initiatives within the school.
Hope and Innovation for the Future
Creative Challenges: Host competitions to design eco-friendly inventions or sustainable products, showcasing work to the school community. Celebrate Success: Highlight eco-achievements during assemblies or through bulletin boards to inspire hope and motivation. Vision Boards: Let each class create a “Earth Steward” vision board that showcases their ideas for a sustainable planet.