Rainbow Schools promote environmental stewardship for Waste Reduction Week

Staff and students in Rainbow Schools are participating in a series of challenges for Waste Reduction Week from October 21 to 27, 2024 – Wear Blue Monday, Textile Tuesday, Take Me Outside Wednesday, Waste Audit Thursday, and Litterless Lunch Friday.

It’s all part of the Rainbow District School Board Environmental Committee’s ongoing efforts to build citizens who care about the world in which they live.

This challenge is an invitation for students to venture beyond the classroom to engage with school grounds, reduce waste throughout the community, and protect our natural areas.

“Creating connections between environmental choices and their effects on the planet is part of teaching and learning in Rainbow Schools throughout the school year,” said Director of Education Bruce Bourget. “Waste Reduction Week presents another opportunity to focus on sustainability and encourage the broader community to join us in these efforts.”

A national environmental campaign, Waste Reduction Week encourages responsible consumption, the use of environmentally friendly products/services, and actions that conserve natural resources and divert waste from disposal.

The initiative also focuses on supporting a circular economy, celebrating environmental efforts and achievements, and fostering innovative ideas and solutions for change.

For Take Me Outside Day on Wednesday, October 23rd, schools have been invited to connect the curriculum to the outdoors through various subjects from math, to science, language and physical education. Staff and students can perform a nature blitz, celebrate our forests, play nature games, or host a fall field day.

From an Indigenous perspective, embracing the significance of spending time outdoors reinforces our appreciation for Indigenous knowledge and the importance of the natural world to health and well-being.

Schools received various Indigenous resources to promote learning and building a connection with the land. This is an opportunity for all of us to reaffirm our individual and collective commitment to the environment and taking action against climate change.

Rainbow Schools have achieved 100 per cent certification in EcoSchools Canada.

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.