In celebration of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, the kindergarten and elementary students of E. Mandoulides Schoolstook collective action.
As part of the initiative, students participated in experiential activities in the elementary schoolyard, collecting leftover food throughout the day after each break. They sorted the waste into organic and non-organic and gathered it in special containers. Through this simple, hands-on activity, everyone realized how large amounts of food end up in the trash every day. This waste has immeasurable economic consequences, as this food could have been used to feed people who are hungry and suffering.
Mainly, however, children of all ages learned that food waste is a significant social problem. Recent research published by Christina Lisetchi, Policy Officer at the European Commission, highlights that more than 37 million people in the European Union do not have access to quality meals every other day.
Through the simultaneous presentation of educational material appropriately adapted to the children’s age and maturity levels, our students came to understand how food waste has an unreasonable impact on the environment and natural resources, putting the future of our planet at risk. With the slogan “Don’t Waste”, the children became advocates for an awareness campaign aimed at educating their peers and parents about this pressing issue. The campaign encourages the adoption of new, more sustainable habits in our daily lives.
The quantities of food that were collected became compost in the school garden, following the basic principles of composting- a natural process of creating organic fertilizer.
In a time when the environment is being challenged in various ways, such actions are more necessary than ever. They should be a fundamental part of a modern school’s curriculum- one that is open to society and sensitive to social issues.
