Earth Day, which takes place on 22 April each year, reminds us of the importance of environmental protection and sustainability.

Streatham & Clapham High School celebrated Earth Day with a special assembly, at which the Head Ms Ellott discussed the theme this year, ‘Planet vs. Plastics’. Earthday.org is committed to ending plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. They are advocating for widespread awareness on the health risk of plastics, campaigning to rapidly phase out all single use plastics, pushing for a strong UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution, and demanding an end to fast fashion. More about their aims and the basis for these is available on their website: https://www.earthday.org/planet-vs-plastics/

At Streatham & High School we have been taking steps to be more sustainable for several years. These are just some of the initiatives which have been put into place:

Energy saving

• Energy Sparks service helps staff & pupils track their carbon footprint
• LED /LED reactor lights used throughout school
• Solar panels installed in the Senior School

Reducing plastics

• No single use plastic bottles on site
• Reusable water bottles used since 2020
• Four new water fountains installed
• Single used plastic replaced by alternatives where possible

Sustainable meals

• Meat free Monday running since 2020
• Food waste has been cut by 50%
• Over two tonnes of food donated to food banks

Using eco-friendly products

• Sustainable and cruelty free products sourced where possible. These include all cleaning products, toilet rolls, hand towels, napkins.
• Stopped use of harmful chemicals on our grounds completely since 2020

Conserving nature

• Bird boxes, hedgehog house and insect house installed at the Prep School.
• Bat boxes installed at the Senior School.
• No-Mow May running since 2020
• Real plants located all around the school

Sustainable transport

• Pupils trained in bike use and safe cycling skills
• Number of bike and scooter racks at the Prep school doubled
• Increased school transport routes from four to nine, reducing number of card journeys

Repurposing and reusing

• Preloved uniform sales encouraging resue
• Items no longer required are donated
• Oil in kitchens is reused

There is of course much more work to be done as a school and individually. Here are some tips on what pupils or members of staff can do as individuals:

Individual actions to take

• Turn off lights if it is sunny or when you leave the room.
• Turn off electrical appliances when not in use.
• Only photocopy if you need to, use grayscale and double sided where possible.
• Turn down radiators if they are too hot rather than open windows.
• Ensure everything is turned off before school holidays.
• Recycle paper, old pens, batteries, crisp bags, and cans.
• Check the stationery cupboard before ordering new items.
• When ordering new items choose sustainable and ethical options.
• Report water leaks as soon as possible.

Finally we can do much more when we work together to create change. If you want to make a significant difference, why not consider becoming an Eco Rep or joining a sustainability group.

Crisp packets donated by students and staff will be used to create warm blankets for homeless people.