Environmental education and awareness are increasing in schools worldwide, with students keen to learn how to protect their planet. New generations must know about plastics, their relationship with the environment and how they can contribute to a new culture of circularity.
To help young learners, a free Green Schools learning program developed by Ecoplas (a civil non-profit association that encourages the sustainable development of plastics for a circular economy) in partnership with the Ministry of Education of the City of Buenos Aires.
“This public-private articulation program is a milestone for Ecoplas and a beacon to build a new culture of responsible consumption and circularity of plastics in schools.”
Verónica Ramos, Director Executive of Ecoplas
The initiative promotes sustainable development through Environmental Education and Management in schools through dedicated training. It has been created for students and teachers at primary and secondary education levels and those in special education.
Learning about plastics and sustainability
Plastic is a material widely present in the environment and also in schools. The Green Schools program aims to rethink the use of plastic without stigmatizing it while considering its benefits and utilities. The importance of responsible consumption and separation at source to give the material a second chance is emphasized.
A 60-minute class workshop with pedagogical contents and games, updated every school year, was created to promote learning and discussion. For three years, from 2016, the course was delivered face-to-face. In 2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic, classes were adapted for virtuality, with participatory games and PowerPoint presentations to support the classes. The courses promote the conversation towards proper waste disposal and a circular plastics economy model.
Measuring the impact of learning
Each school that carried out the activity received a certificate of training and a manual on the circular economy of plastics. At the same time, each student was given a ruler made from recycled plastic. Since 2016, 5,849 students and 297 teachers have been trained.
The Buenos Aires City government surveys students and teachers on the modality and quality of the training. The good results are the basis for continuity. Classes were extended to all levels of education, and the contents were adapted and supervised by the Ministry of Education.
“We thank all the schools that opened their doors to continue learning about the correct separation and disposal of plastic waste.”
Escuelas Verdes
