Earth Hour is a global movement which takes place this evening at 8.30pm on Saturday 23rd March, and is aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues. The idea that by collectively participating a small gesture – switching off and looking after the Earth for just one hour – has a significant global impact in our efforts to reverse climate change and preserve the Earth’s future.
Yesterday afternoon, the school participated in an ‘Earth Hour’ for the whole afternoon, adapting the children’s fifth and sixth lessons of the day to be held without the use of technology. So for the last part of our Friday, Greenfield School transformed into a hub of eco-consciousness as we switched off lights, unplugged electronics, and engaged in activities to support our planet. With initiatives such as our Future World Team and the Eco Club (which earned Greenfield’s Green Flag Award), the Earth Hour afternoon rounded off an amazing week of waste-reducing efforts.
Greenfield’s Earth Hour Activities
Our teachers led the charge in organizing a range of engaging activities for students during the Greenfield Earth Hour afternoon. From turning off lights and electronics to venturing outdoors for lessons in nature, every effort was made to minimize our energy consumption. Students embraced the opportunity to get creative with eco-friendly projects, including crafting posters with energy-saving tips, measuring energy consumption around the school, and undertaking junk modelling using recycled materials. Using the special event to connect with their peers in different year groups, Year 5 and Year 1 paired up to create incredible land art using the natural foliage of the Forest School.
Eco Club Litter Pick
In alignment with our Eco School Green Flag Accreditation, members of the Eco Club embarked on a litter pick at Pyrford Lock. This hands-on initiative not only served to clean up waste in our community but also highlighted the importance of protecting our natural woodland and river areas. Mrs Mayes explained to the children about the River Wey and how the lock works, to give an understanding of why keeping our rivers and seas clean. The children filled 4 large bags of waste from around the lock including glass bottles, crisp packets and even a pair of slippers…! By actively addressing plastic pollution, our students demonstrated their dedication to preserving the environment for future generations. We were thankful to the nearby pub who recognised the children’s clean-up efforts, and treated them to a squash in the garden!
The Big Plastic Count
As part of our ongoing eco efforts, the Future World Team and the Eco Club organized an assembly on The Big Plastic Count. This initiative, which coincides with our Green Flag accreditation, encourages students and their families to tally their recycling efforts throughout the week. By tracking their plastic usage and disposal, we aim to raise awareness about the impact of single-use plastics and promote sustainable habits within our community.
Sustainable Message through Drama
This week, we were treated to a captivating performance of “The Island That Rocks” by our talented Year 4 students. Through their portrayal of the global issue of waste and marine sewage, our young actors shed light on the pressing environmental challenges facing our planet in a light-hearted story. Their thought-provoking production served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective action in combating environmental degradation.
Stay Green!
Even small actions can have incredible impacts when united in a common cause. At Greenfield we aim to nurture pupils of all ages to understand the need to protect the future of Plant Earth and act as stewards of the environment, making every small gesture count for Earth. We hope to inspire others to join the movement towards a greener, more sustainable future.
We hope you join us on Saturday 23rd March at 8.30pm to switch off and do our bit for the planet. Read more about the Earth Hour initiative here: https://www.earthhour.org/about/the-biggest-hour-for-earth
