Rainbow Schools take part in World Paper Free Day on November 6th

Rainbow District School Board invites students and staff to go paperless in support of World Paper Free Day on Friday, November 6, 2020. This green initiative is part of the Environmental Committee’s ongoing efforts to encourage sustainable practices and increase awareness about various environmental issues.

For the challenge, schools will create 21st century paperless classrooms by avoiding the use of printers, photocopiers, hard copy reading materials, and paper-based assignments for the day.

Additionally, students will engage in a variety of discussions. Can classes function fully without paper? How does going paperless increase sustainability and impact climate change? Has the pandemic improved our ability to function without paper?

“Turning one tree into paper releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere,” says Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “Going paperless reduces emissions.”

He adds: “We want our schools to recognize the long-term effects paper usage has on the planet and make it a habit to look for alternatives when possible.”

Environmental impacts range from reducing oxygen levels by cutting trees; using energy by making paper, manufacturing printers, ink and toner cartridges; and consuming fuel by distributing paper and paper resources.

The Board’s Environmental Committee issues monthly challenges throughout the year.

Last month, students took their learning outside.

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.