By Owen Haywood
Back in September 2021, when I first arrived at Northbridge International School Cambodia, I was asked if I could supervise an eco-group by our Global Campus Leader. Eight students joined me online as we discussed a vision and aims for the group. Three of those aims were met on the 1st day back of school on Thursday 11th August 2022.
Those aims were “to reduce consumption of harmful materials”, “to help support sustainable businesses and NGO’s” and “to make the school community including staff members more aware of issues that impact us locally and globally”.
How were all these aims met on the first day back? Well, it has taken since September 2021 to implement new systems that would allow NISC to ban single-use plastics. As a community we have massively reduced the amount of harmful plastic that could leach into our environment, this is a huge win for us and for nature.
We supported local sustainable business by inviting Only One Planet in to set up a pop-up stall selling reusable bottles, cups and straws. Our school community has become more aware of the global plastics issue; students raised the issue at the PYP Exhibition, parents have been informed by letters being sent home regarding bringing in reusable water bottles and all new teachers were given a reusable coffee cup on their first day of induction.
All of this was made possible from the bottom-up (students initiating the Eco Council) and from the top-down (support from management). If we can continue to tackle environmental issues in this manner, then NISC will be on its way to a sustainable future. I would like to thank Coolyn and the other seven students in Grade 12 for having the insight and vision to start the Eco Council. They set the ball rolling for the Eco Schools program.
At the end of the month we will have our first Eco-Committee meeting with parents, teachers, community members and our students running the show!
Eco-Council's most awaited project, Earth Week, has been in the works for over 2 months. Members worked diligently to come up with innovative projects to encourage students to participate in becoming more eco-friendly.
It has been a very exciting semester for the Houses this year at Northbridge International School Cambodia, and we have increased our presence even more across the school, forging bonds, sportsmanship and a sense of belonging to all students.
Throughout the past 4 months, Eco Council members have worked tirelessly to promote sustainability and come up with innovative plans to make Northbridge International School Cambodia a more environmentally friendly community.
