Gold or poison in garbageStep 1- FeelThe students of class 4 have participated in the world’s largest Design for Change School Challenge for the third consecutive year. We celebrated it from 10th -15th September.

We walked around the school/ community and located problems that caused concern. We listed problems that we observed and had discussions as to priority, need and damage caused.

We were disturbed by the dumping, accumulation and unnecessary collection of garbage in our homes, community and city. After brainstorming and discussing all the ideas with our teachers, we felt we had to address this issue on various levels.Once we shared all our concerns, we voted and the idea that was selected was to evolve a system where we would be able to refuse ,reduce, reuse and recycle the various elements of garbage.

Step 2 - ImagineWe looked at ways to deal with the various elements of garbage. We chose a project that would have a ripple effect after the concentrated efforts of one week. We wanted to ensure that it had an impact on a large number of people and that it would be simple enough to be carried on.

Step 3 - Do We announced in all the std 4 classes that all the students should make newspaper bags. We only needed old newspapers.

All the students taught each other to make paper bags and when many bags were ready, we went to the Mira Mar beach which is across our school and distributed them to all the vendors. They happily accepted them and started using them substituting them for the plastic bags and plates they earlier used. We told them that we could supply more of these and teach them to make their own. We also requested them not to use plastic bags any more.

We spread this awareness to the tourists as well.

Within the school campus students, teachers and parents are requested and reminded to use paper and cloth bags.

We, also went around to various classes in the school to teach the students to make paper bags.

They even taught children to use newspapers to gift wrap.

Hence we refused usage of plastic ,reduced plastic waste by substituting with paper, reused old newspaper and recycled used ones by incorporating them in our project work and vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is another means we use in our school to deal with the biodegradable waste and we now have an increasing number of earthworms helping us with the same.

Refuse & Reduce usage of toxic

materials, Reuse old materials and Recycle what you need to use.

Actions speak louder than words.

Actions speak louder than words. So recycle today.

Please join us in our small endeavour to change the future.

Say No To Plastic.

Let us Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle the various elements of garbage.

Step 4 - Share

We have shared this story with our friends in our locality and have asked them also to make paper bags.

We wish to see a long term impact.

Ours is an ongoing process to care for our Earth. You will definitely discover your Pot of Gold at the end of the Garbage. Don’t wait for rainbows – Create your own

TURN YOUR GARBAGE INTO GOLD