10 January 2022
In the run up to COP26, Year 4 students from Green Lane Primary Academy were given the challenge to come up with their own top tips to help save the planet. Through studying the Victorians, they learned how 19th Century populations boomed in our area spurring on industrialisation – but did that make the Victorians the villains of climate change?
Industrial pollution - Transporter Bridge, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley, 1968 (Image courtesy of Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) part of Teesside University)
Following the debate, the topic turned to how students could do their bit to be more aware of the environment and here are their Top 10 tips for today in their own words.
1. Reduce reuse recycle. Cut down on what you throw away and don’t throw away things that are usable
2. Start shopping locally and organically; check the labels on the food you buy.
3. Leave the car at home. Instead of getting in the car, walk or cycle and enjoy the fresh air.
4. Cut back on flying. Although going abroad for a holiday is very fun, but it’s normally quite expensive. Why don’t you have a holiday in your own country, plus it won’t be as expensive.
5. Eat less meat and dairy. Avoiding meat and dairy products is one of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact on the planet. Studies suggest that a high fibre, plant based diet is also better for your health.
6. Respect and protect green spaces. Green spaces such as parks and gardens are important. They absorb carbon dioxide and are associated with lowering levels of pollution.
7. Cut consumption and waste. Everything we use as consumers has a carbon footprint, avoid single use items and fast fashion. And try not to buy more than you need.
8. Talk about the changes you make. Conversations are a great way to reduce the spread of ideas. As you make these positive changes to reduce climate changes talk to family and friends.
9. Reduce your energy use and bills. Small changes to your behaviour at home will help you use less energy, cutting your carbon footprint and your energy bills.
10. Use other materials than plastic (e.g. use a bamboo toothbrush instead of plastic)
If you follow everything then soon the planet will be happy.
Click here to download the ‘Top ten tips to help the planet – ideas by Year 4 Green Lane Primary’ Powerpoint.
What would your top ten tips be to help the planet?
You may also be interested in our NEW online resource Protecting our local wildlife – Tees Valley Museums for ways to thread thinking about a sustainable world naturally into science teaching. Or for KS1 teachers our resource about Using toys to save the planet – Tees Valley Museums can be used to help children think about sustainability.
Why not book a visit to The Lost Words? The exhibition of the amazing book – at Kirkleatham Museum until March 2022 or Bottled Ocean – a fantastic immersive exhibition made from single use plastic bottles – at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum throughout 2022 (Thinking about the environment? – Tees Valley Museums).
