Pioneering A Sustainable Future: Earth Day 2024
Our Earth Day Pledge
To stay true to our vision of making a positive difference in the world we are intentional about our commitment to promoting global citizenship and environmental sustainability.
We are proud of the progress that we have made to promote global citizenship and environmental sustainability this year!
1. We have reduced food waste.
Food Waste Reduction - Since 2024, our college has successfully reduced kitchen waste by 4,626 kilograms, resulting in a reduction of approximately 6,939 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The average per capita reduction in food waste per meal is 0.17 kilograms, compared to the same period last year.
2. We have increased opportunities for being outdoors, particularly through sport.
3. We have taken steps to reduce our carbon footprint. These include:
Consumption Reduction in the Pool - The use of a pool cover has led to a reduction in energy consumption by 54,151 kilowatt-hours (kWh) compared to the same period last year. This translates to a reduction of approximately 27,075 kilograms of CO2 emissions.
Energy-saving measures have reduced consumption to around 65 yuan per square meter per year for 2023/2024, matching lockdown levels and surpassing previous years since 2016. This demonstrates the school's commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management.
Our community has raised RMB50,000 to support the MTP’s reforestation in Guangxi Province. In addition to contributing to carbon offset, this project also supports the conservation of the critically endangered Cao Kit Gibbon.
In the spirit of our commitment to sustainability, Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi proudly marked Earth Day 2024 with a vibrant suite of activities. This initiative, spearheaded by our passionate Reception Teacher and Global Citizenship Lead, Ellah Pabito, was a powerful testament to our collective dedication to environmental stewardship. Through hands-on learning and community action, we took a bold step towards a sustainable future, transforming ecological concern into impactful change.
Ellah Pabito （Reception Teacher/ Global Citizenship Lead)
Earth Day 2024: Planet vs Plastics
On Monday, 22 April 2024, Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi joined the global community in celebrating Earth Day with a strong focus on the critical theme of 'Planet vs Plastics'. Recognising the significant risks that plastics pose to both human and planetary health, our school took proactive steps to raise awareness and take action in curbing plastic production and usage. Throughout the day, students from Year 1 to Year 6 engaged in various activities aimed at fostering environmental consciousness and promoting sustainable practices.
Weeks leading up to Earth Day, each year group from Year 1 to Year 6 participated in a Plastic Collection initiative. Labelled collection boxes were provided, and students were encouraged to bring in used plastic items such as water bottles, containers, and plastic bags. This activity aimed to instil the habit of responsible plastic disposal and emphasize the importance of recycling.
To kickstart the day, students engaged in interactive activities on Padlet, an online collaborative platform. One of the tasks was to document and share how our school has contributed to helping the Earth. Students highlighted initiatives such as litter picking, participating in Model United Nations discussions on global issues, organising Impact Days focused on sustainable Christmas decorations, and partnering with organizations like the Elevated Honey Project. Students also demonstrated their knowledge of endangered species, including the Gibbons, showcasing their commitment to environmental conservation.
At 8:30 am, students from Year 5 had the opportunity to participate in a captivating science experiment led by Mr. Dixon in the Senior School labs. The focus of the experiment was the biodegradability of plastics. Through this engaging activity, students learned fascinating facts about plastics and made insightful predictions about their impact on the environment.
At 1:30 pm, an assembly was held, led by the House Captains who took ownership of the event. They wrote the script, directed the proceedings, created informative PowerPoint presentations, designed costumes, and produced videos. This student-led assembly showcased their leadership skills and served as a platform to inspire everyone to make a difference on Earth Day. The House Captains emphasized the urgency of addressing the plastic crisis and encouraged the entire school community to take action.
During the afternoon, primary school students participated in hands-on activities aimed at promoting creativity and environmental consciousness. One activity involved upcycling donated plastics to create useful items such as pot planters and pencil holders. This exercise demonstrated the potential for repurposing plastics and reducing waste.
Additionally, students explored the life cycle of plastic through a comic strip activity. They learned about the harmful effects of plastic on the environment and created visual narratives to raise awareness among their peers.
Inspired by the story of young innovator Elif Bilgin, who used banana peels to make plastic, students were challenged to imagine a world free from harmful plastics. They were encouraged to brainstorm alternative materials and invent innovative ways to produce environmentally-friendly plastic substitutes. This task fostered critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of sustainable solutions.
Earth Day 2024 at DCSPX School was a resounding success, with students actively engaged in activities that promoted environmental awareness and action. By focusing on the theme of 'Planet vs Plastics,' our school community demonstrated its commitment to curbing plastic use and protecting our planet. The events of the day served as a reminder that small actions can have a significant impact when it comes to building a sustainable and plastic-free future.