Jake Wiid, senior adviser at EVOLVE Advice, on considerations for schools looking for a more sustainable approach
It’s crucial that we explore new and innovative ways to educate and inspire the next generation of eco-conscious leaders.
Educational visits can play an important role in helping to promote sustainable practices and environmental awareness. We believe that these experiences can have a transformative impact on young people, helping them to develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and empowering them to make positive changes in their communities.
While many schools have eco-clubs and recycling schemes, it can feel more of a challenge to extend this approach to educational visits, especially when budgets are tight. The best time to do it is at the planning stage, when you can take a closer look at transport choices, venues and learning outcomes. Why not get your school eco-champions involved in decisions about sustainability beyond the school gates?
Educational visits can play an important role in helping to promote sustainable practices and environmental awareness.
We’ve heard from schools that reducing impact on the environment is rising up their agendas, but it can be hard to balance this with pressures on budgets and keeping educational visits accessible for all children.
Here are some of the things schools may like to consider:
- Look for destinations that prioritise sustainability and have eco-friendly practices in place.
- Use the opportunity of the trip to educate students on the importance of protecting the environment and ways they can reduce their environmental impact.
- Plan a clean-up activity at the destination to help preserve the natural environment and promote environmental stewardship.
- Encourage students to respect the natural environment and follow Leave No Trace principles.
EVOLVE Advice recently launched a new Eco Trip Grant. Schools can apply for one of eight £250 grants to help make their educational visits more sustainable.
More details about the grant can be found at www.evolveadvice.co.uk/eco-trip-grants
