Rainbow Schools challenged to reduce harmful plastic pollution

Rainbow District School Board has challenged staff and students to reduce harmful plastics in lunches and through classroom activities and lesson plans.

The Environmental Committee issues monthly challenges to schools throughout the year to broaden the scope of education and sustainable action.

“There is increased awareness about the negative impacts of plastic,” says Director of Education Bruce Bourget. “To help address plastic pollution, we must consider how we produce, use and manage anything made with plastic.”

He adds: “We encourage school communities to continue to raise awareness and take action to minimize the use of plastics inside and outside of the classroom.”

It is estimated that Canadians dispose of over three million tons of plastic waste each year – with less than 10 per cent getting recycled.

Plastics end up in landfills and take thousands of years to decompose. In the process, they make their way through waterways, lakes, oceans, parks and beaches – damaging both land and aquatic systems.

A custom for Indigenous peoples, particularly the Anishinaabek, is to harvest foods from natural sources. With plastics polluting the water nibi and the earth aki, animals and fish are consuming them and are dying.

Inadequate access to safe and clean drinking water continues to be a prevalent concern for First Nations communities in Canada.

To build understanding, schools were given resources to emphasize and highlight the global plastic crisis. This includes information about how the Indigenous Maori people of New Zealand are using scientific research and traditional knowledge to tackle long-lasting impacts, and recent discussions about a legally-binding global treaty to address the whole lifecycle of plastics.

Throughout the challenge, staff and students may bring feast bundles to school and avoid plastic bags, straws, cutlery, plates and beverage containers. Schools can also take a personal pledge to reduce or eliminate plastics, and host waste-free events, meetings and friendly competitions among classes.

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