Local Students Take Climate Action Challenge
The District of Central Saanich congratulates the 118 local students who recently completed the Cool It! Climate Leadership Training Program. The students committed to many energy saving actions over the program’s four-week period, and their actions at home result in a projected annual savings of 32 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The Cool it! challenge was offered to grade 4-7 classes in Central Saanich this fall to help educate, inspire and create eco-friendly habits. It was sponsored by the District of Central Saanich and delivered by the BC Sustainable Energy Association. Five classes took part, and the 118 students (and their families) were encouraged to take action in every area in their life, from their food choices, to their transport, home heating behaviours, consumption and waste.
A few energy-saving and eco-friendly ideas from Cool It! students
- “I helped organize a battery, styrofoam and metal recycling program.”
- “Use containers for snacks instead of wrappers and plastic bags.”
- “Have a digital device-free day.”
- “Do not use plastic when shopping for food, clothes or any packaged items. Bring your own containers and reusable bags when shopping.”
- “Join the shoreline cleanup and clean up the beach.”
- “Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.”
- “I think people should get electric cars because they produce less CO2”
Cool it! brings Environmental Educators into classrooms to deliver a fun-filled, thought provoking and empowering program that engages students on climate change and energy conservation. During the workshops, the students are engaged with discussions and activities. After discussing their understanding, concerns and current actions on climate change and brainstorming ways to reduce their own impact, the students work at home on the Climate Leadership Challenge contest and work at home with their families to reduce their household greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).
The District plans to offer the program to more Central Saanich classes this year as part of its climate action work.
Congratulations Ms. White’s class!
Central Saanich congratulates Ms. Whites grade 7 class at Bayside Middle School for winning the British Columbia Sustainable Energy Association’s Cool It! Challenge. Through their participation in the contest, the class projected to reduce an estimated 14.593 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. The class chose to have a seed planting party to celebrate their hard work. Top achieving students were also awarded with environmental books. Mayor Ryan Windsor and Councillor Gordon Newton joined School District 63 leadership to congratulate Ms. White's class!
