The Killarney Environment Club’s goal is to make an impact on the habits of the student body through small changes. In our group, we have members who clean up around our school, participate in our campaigns, compost, recycle ink cartridges and batteries, and spearhead fundraisers.

Turn Down the Thermostat Weeklong Campaign

KEEP WARM. C

OLD AHEAD.

From January 12th to 16th, Killarney held its first Turn Down the Thermostat Week. Teachers turned down the thermostats in their classrooms while students piled on the layers.

We made good use of holiday sweaters when we started the week off with an Ugly Sweater Day.

We had Winter Wear Day and Pyjamas & Sweats Day.

75% of our body heat is lost through our heads, so we had a Hat Day where everyone wore toques, hoods, berets, and caps.

As an end to our week, we had Hugs Day. Body heat keeps us warm.

Some teachers continue to turn down their thermostats, especially since the weather’s warming up!

Turn Down the Thermostat Weeklong Campaign

Compost committeeCompost committeeThe compost committee meets every other day to collect items such as vegetable scraps from the cafeteria and foods department. The materials are put into our compost bin by the dedicated members in this committee. In the late spring, we will mix the compost into the soil of our garden. By composting organic substances, we reduce the amount of garbage going into the landfills and make use of what we can instead.

Recycling ProgramOur recycling program is a joint effort with our feeder elementary schools. When needed, members of our club go to the schools to collect the full bins. Our club then sends the used ink cartridges, cell phones, and batteries to the sites where they can be recycled. Bins are placed in the office and computer labs.

ADOPT-A-BLOCK

Once a week, a portion of our members go around our school’s block to pick up litter. Not only does this help the appearance of the school, but it also reduces that number of items that could be of danger to animals that frequent on the school’s property and its surroundings.

Envirobottle fundraiserWith the goal to reduce usage of plastic bottles, use reusable materials, and spread awareness for clean water needs, our club contacted Think Stainless Steel Water Bottles to host a fundraiser. Jason Peng designed the image for the bottle which includes the school colour and mascot.

This fundraiser helped us raise hundreds to go towards Free the Children’s water programs. Thanks to the support of the staff and students, the Environment Club is able to help provide several families with clean water for a year.

-raise awareness for developing countries’ needs

-increase usage of reusable bottles

-demonstrate school pride while supporting the environment