Call to Earth Day 2023: Schools around the world took action to protect the environment
Meristem Design teamed up with Coppermill Primary School for the third annual Call to Earth Day - a global initiative by CNN. This collaboration represents a significant stride towards fostering environmental awareness and instilling a sense of responsibility for the planet's well-being. The aim was to showcase schools actively contributing to environmental solutions.
In the face of global environmental challenges, events like Call to Earth Day offer hope, bringing communities and organizations together for a sustainable future.
But what exactly is call to Earth Day?
Call to Earth Day is an annual global initiative by CNN, a powerful editorial series committed to shedding light on our planet's environmental challenges and the innovative solutions propelling positive change. It serves as a collective call to action, driving awareness and education around pivotal sustainability issues. This year, marked as the third annual event, the focus is on the theme "Our Shared Home," emphasising the crucial connection between humans and wildlife.
As part of Call To Earth Day, Anna Stewart meets the eco-council at Coppermill Primary School in London to hear about how they're placing the environment and wellbeing at the heart of everything the school does.
Spotlight on sustainable schools
In London, schools are leading the charge for a greener future. The Sustainable City Awards recognise the creative initiatives of schools committed to turning London into a thriving, sustainable city. Among them, Coppermill Primary School won School of the Year 2023, setting a sustainability benchmark in Waltham Forest.
Coppermill Primary School is the first school in the London Borough of Waltham Forest to implement a sustainability strategy and action plan, placing the environment and wellbeing at the heart of everything the school does as reflected in the school’s new vision statement:
“We inspire and equip our children, staff, and wider community to be globally minded and environmentally active citizens, working for a healthy future for people and the planet.”
— Coppermill Primary School's new vision statement
Actions driven by eco-council and community workshops
At the core of Coppermill's success is their student Eco-Council, supported by engaging workshops for teachers and parents. They take a holistic approach to environmental care, involving Culture, Curriculum, Campus, and Community.
Here are some notable achievements:
Community Engagement: The school collaborated with Climate Change All Change for a community art exhibition on climate futures. Additionally, they contributed to community rain gardens through bulb planting initiatives.
Curriculum Integration: Sustainability is seamlessly woven into various subjects, making environmental awareness a part of everyday learning.
Energy Efficiency: Coppermill upgraded their boiler and switched to LED lighting, showing their commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Culinary Choices: The school promotes sustainability in its lunch options, offering vegan and vegetarian choices and actively composting food waste.
Resource Conservation: Through a behavioural campaign, students are encouraged to use less paper and conscientiously switch off lights and equipment when not needed.
Infrastructural Development: Coppermill secured funding to create an outdoor classroom, emphasizing the importance of outdoor learning. They also applied for solar panels to enhance their commitment to renewable energy.
Celebrating success: Sustainable school of the year 2023
Coppermill Primary School's success shows how doing sustainable things in school can make a big difference. As David Gilbert said, all schools can help the environment. Teachers, parents, leaders, and students all have a role in making positive changes for a healthier planet.
Coppermill is absolutely delighted and amazed to have been awarded Sustainable School of the Year 2023. As a school, we are working extremely hard to place sustainability at the core of everything we do, and this award is a wonderful recognition of that.
— David Gilbert, Assistant Headteacher
We're happy to be part of making the world greener and more sustainable. Joining Call to Earth Day fits with our goal to spread awareness about important sustainability issues. We believe that using biophilic design, which values plants in city planning, can make a big difference for a sustainable future.
In summary, our experience with Coppermill Primary School during Call to Earth Day 2023 shows that schools can be important places for learning about the environment and sustainability. Looking back on this event, it reminds us of the good things that can happen when people, schools, and organisations come together for a common purpose.
