The Green School Network was thrilled with the incredible ideas generated by Ealing schools
Green School Network inspires school eco-projects
Thanks to funding from ActForEaling and the Ealing Climate Action team, the Green School Network launched the Big Green Ideas Competition for Ealing schools. Pupils were invited to submit a short video explaining a school eco-project to cut carbon. The winner would secure £1,000 to put their project into action.
Amazing range of carbon reduction ideas
The Green School Network received nine incredible entries. The range of ideas really inspired the judges. Concepts ranging from providing a popcorn machine to cut plastic snack wrappers to buying thermal imaging cameras to detect heat leaks that could then be rented out in the community. One idea was about growing an eco-wall and another was about investing in equipment to make school clothes swaps a regular event.
Jennifer Peters, Assistant Director of Planning, Design and Sustainability at Ealing Council comments, “The pupils were clear about the problem they wanted to solve. They were also creative yet practical with their solutions. The pupils all had strong green skills that any future employer would really value. It was a wonderful example of the climate capabilities being developed throughout the Borough of Ealing.”
In the end there was only one prize though. This was a real challenge for the judges who carefully deliberated over their decision.
Announcing the school eco-project winner
The winner was Featherstone High with their carbon capture pond school eco-project. The pupils were passionate about improving their school grounds. They had carefully considered how they were going to measure and monitor the carbon absorbed by the pond. You can check-out Featherstone High’s entry below:
According to AfE’s fantastic partner, Froglife, ponds can absorb (in climate jargon “sequester”) more than 20 times the same area of woodland. Ponds also support wildlife and increase biodiversity. Biodiversity is something that the returning Ealing Biodiversity Awards for Gardens and Green Spaces is encouraging across the borough.
Sharing knowledge
Thanks to the Green School Network (a collaboration between ActForEaling and Ealing Council) Featherstone High has connections with local schools in Southall. This will let them share knowledge and learn from the progress of Featherstone High’s eco-project.
In the summer, Featherstone High will share their learnings with the Green School Network. This will ensure more Ealing schools benefit from their hard work.
Can you support?
If you can support any of the ideas mentioned above, please get in touch. The pupils who did not win the prize remain keen to put their brilliant ideas into action and you could help that happen.
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