February 10: Rainbow Schools turn down the heat on Sweater Day

Rainbow District School Board is turning down the heat and inviting students and staff to wear a sweater on Thursday, February 10, 2022.

According to the World Wildlife Federation (WWF), if all Canadians lowered their thermostats by just two degrees Celsius, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about four megatons – the equivalent of taking 700,000 cars off the roads.

“Sweater Day raises awareness about renewable energy and encourages us to think about energy consumption and change our habits,” says Director of Education Bruce Bourget. “Students will learn that even the smallest of gestures, like turning down the heat and wearing a sweater, can promote environmental sustainability.”

Education on Sweater Day will engage students in discussions through thoughtful topics and questions. “Canada’s Arctic is warming faster than anywhere else on the planet. How does the temperature of your home affect the temperature of the polar bear’s Arctic habitat?” Students will make the connection between their thermostat, climate change, melting sea ice and Arctic wildlife.

Students will learn how fashion has an environmental impact. Donating clothes to charity, trading clothes with classmates and adopting a “buy less, buy better” philosophy promotes sustainability. A link to an informative documentary has been shared with all schools.

From an Indigenous perspective, clothing, medicine, food and fire were provided within Creation through the gift of wildlife, fish life, plant life and tree life.  These gifts of life are forever acknowledged through the thoughts of thanksgiving by Indigenous peoples.

“Sweater Day reminds us to be thankful for the layers of clothing and the hot food that provide warmth on cold winter days,” says Director Bourget. “By extension, it inspires us to be grateful for the warmth of family and friends while we make a conscious effort to be mindful to care for the planet and all that it provides for us.”

Rainbow District School Board’s Environmental Committee issues monthly challenges to staff and students to increase awareness about global warming and encourage sustainable practices throughout the school year.

The monthly challenges are a key component of the Board’s commitment to have all of its schools EcoSchools Canada Certified by 2022. Monthly environmental challenges, which include an Indigenous component, have proven to be an effective way to broaden the scope of education and environmental action.

What will next month’s challenge be?

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.