Bronze Medal On Earth Day

Shiplake College’s Eco-Committee is pleased to announce it has achieved the Bronze Medal Award in its quest to reach Green Flag status as part of the Eco Schools initiative, and what better day to celebrate than Earth Day?

Since last year, the Committee has been working hard to achieve Green Flag status for the College. This is an international accreditation which has recognised and rewarded the environmental work of young people for 25 years. Although lockdown stalled progress briefly, the Committee is delighted with the Bronze Medal Award and is aiming to achieve Silver by the end of this school year. Take a look at this link for further information.

As it is Earth Day, the Committee has also been highlighting to pupils and staff some of the fantastic things they have been doing as well as sharing some of the ways the College community can celebrate and help protect our earth today and every day.

Earthday.org's mission is to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Growing out of the first Earth Day in 1970, earthday.org is the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working with more than 75,000 partners in over 192 countries to drive positive action for our planet.

The Committee’s action plan for Shiplake has been focused on bio-diversity, waste management and marine/freshwater life, so below are some ways the Shiplake Community can help us make a difference in these areas;

Bio-Diversity

• Get involved with the LEAF programme when we launch it this term
• Make a bird feeder to hang in your garden
• Become a citizen scientist to protect the bees

Waste Management

• Check in house, are there bins where you can separate recyclable waste? Are you using them properly and with care?
• Ask at home if your household can get involved with Terracycle, a programme that helps recycle hard to recycle products
• Challenge yourself. Can you go a month, six months, a year without buying any new clothes or shoes? Can your older items be mended or refreshed in some way?

Marine/Freshwater Life

• Watch Seaspiracy
• Read about the WWF's water stewardship programme and take inspiration from the businesses involved for the things you can do
• Be active when you are down by the river. If you see litter no matter how small, take a moment to pick it up and bin it

Thank you also to Dr Prata who has also sent this fabulous link for an Earth Day inspired meditation challenge which results in the planting of new trees each time you meditate. You decrease stress and anxiety and the world gets more trees, that is a win on every front as far as we are concerned!

Mrs Emma Farrell, Eco-Committee Co-ordinator, said: “There are lots of suggestions for how we can make a difference to our planet. We are asking that you take a look at a couple today and share our passion for caring for our environment, both locally and globally. 

“If any pupils would like to get involved, let us know and as ever if you have any questions or suggestions for the Eco-Committee please get in touch.”