What’s happening in Rainbow Schools?
June 5: Rainbow Schools take the mask challenge on World Environment Day
On Wednesday, June 5th, Rainbow District School Board invites students and staff to take the mask challenge in support of World Environment Day.
Many people in cities around the world wear masks because of pollution. In this environmental challenge, students will create and wear masks in an effort to #BeatAirPollution.
Since its inception in 1974, World Environment Day has developed into a global platform for raising awareness and taking action against urgent issues for the protection of the environment.
“We want students to experience what it would feel like to have to wear a mask,” said Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “We also want students to engage in deep dialogues about air pollution, its affect on our health and planet, and more importantly, actions we can take to beat it.”
Students will learn about different types of pollution, including agriculture, household, industry, transport and waste. When chemicals, gasses and particles enter the air and atmosphere, air pollution damages natural cycles. Human activity is a major contributor to air pollution from factories, power plants, land and air vehicles, chemicals, methane gas and fossil fuels.
“Our participation in World Environment Day is a small gesture to encourage school communities to continue to adopt sustainable practices, both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Director Blaseg. “There are many ways to take action against air pollution, for example, by driving less, using less electricity and gasoline, turning off electronics when not in use, and investing in renewable energy.”
Rainbow District School Board’s Environmental Committee issues monthly challenges to staff and students throughout the school year.
This month’s Go Green challenge is part of the committee’s ongoing efforts to build sustainable practices into everyday living.
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Media Contact:
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217.