“Zero Waste Summer Camp”- Let children explore the meaning of environmental protection in a fun way
Sponsored by the Communist Youth League Jinniu District, Chengdu Roots & Shoots and the Cultural Exchange Centre, Xi’an Road Primary School hosted the “Zero Waste Summer Camp” on Friday. The aim of the camp is to make environmental education more interesting. In turn, the camp helps children find out the meaning of environmental protection, which is the beginning of environmental education in Chengdu.
Let us follow the Xi’an Road Primary School teacher Zhang Lijun's reports in to the activities of the camp!
Xi’an Road Primary School “Zero Waste Summer Camp” is fun, interesting and meaningful!
Xi’an Road Primary School recruited seven families to participate in summer camps from the environmental groups to carry out the “Zero Waste Challenge”. The PK flag bearer for the summer camps and group leaders were chosen through rock, paper, scissors.
Self Introduction: In order for everyone to get to know each other, parents, teachers and volunteers who participate in the activities share their name, their favourite item found in nature and why, as well as the happiest thing that has happened to them this summer.
Finding Treasure: Two groups of children need to find six cards in the treasure hunt in order to form a complete story
Design the theme of a short play: “garbage life” is a play that brings to life paper and plastic bottles
Drama performances: Two groups of children invited the teacher to participate in the performances. Although the room was small, it did not affect the performance which was a vivid perception of paper and bottle lives.
Learning to compost: Everyone’s leftover fruit residue and watermelon is a good raw material compost. Roots & Shoots taught the camp the “aerobic” composting method which is the decomposition of organic matter using microorganisms that require oxygen. The second method is “anaerobic” which is decomposition that occurs using microorganisms that do not require oxygen to survive. Learning how to compost makes sure kitchen leftovers are not wasted.
One thing to bear in mind is that in the general market paper towel companies have added a fluorescent agent and other detrimental substances, the process in which these materials decompose mean they are not suitable to be used when composting or for recycling. Therefore, Roots & Shoots calls on everyone to buy from companies which use bamboo as their main raw material for manufacturing paper towels so they can be used in compost. Handkerchiefs are another way to combat the negative effects of non-biodegradable paper towels.
On the 20th August Chengdu went on orange alert, but this did not deter the family’s enthusiasm and passion. “Waste operation” is one many “zero-waste” campaigns aimed at families to try and decrease their waste output. It has encountered many problems along the way, however the children came up with many interesting solutions.
Discussion and sharing
Food for thought: This summer, fast food was one of the selected meals for lunch. After children finished eating, they were surprised to find that their little lunch had produced so much garbage; hamburger box, drink cup etc. As a result, two groups of campers began to organize a simpler lunch generated by a smaller amount of waste. This lead them to thinking what more could they do in their daily lives to avoid generating more garbage? Is there room to recycle these materials?
However, garbage is no longer entirely wasted, only in accordance with the classifications. Kids finally understand why we ask them to bring their own lunchboxes, asking them to “watch what they eat and how much to eat.” In addition to reducing food waste, it will also reduce any other unnecessary junk.
The concluding evaluation was the greatest moment, with the students giving the teachers an award, much to their embarrassment.
Dear friends, discuss the 3R lifestyle, what can you do to produce “zero-waste?”
Special Thanks:
Xi'an Road Primary School Teacher: Zhang Lijun Lv Zhihui Parents: Li Mei Liu Yun
Circle to teach experts: Yang Zhong
Volunteers: Chen Meichen Lian Hao
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