[vc_row padding_top_multiplier=”” rc_link_color=”primary-1″ rc_link_hover_color=”primary-6″][vc_column][crocal_title heading_tag=”h2″ heading=”h5″ margin_bottom=”20px”]Increase awareness of sustainability and it’s value. Making the experience as engaging as possible might be easier than you think![/crocal_title][vc_column_text]As children develop and are made aware of their natural environment, it’s increasingly important to introduce them to the idea of sustainability. It might sound like a daunting concept to broach with little ones but at Nursery Story we think it can be done in engaging, fun ways that plant the seeds of environmental awareness in your nursery.
Daily Practice
Of course, before any of us can discuss environmental practice it’s worth checking that as a nursery you’re doing the right things day to day. Exposure to sustainable concepts in this way will help reinforce the ideas you’re trying to introduce and will build environmental understanding from a young age.
There are a few things to consider here. Where you get your energy from (could you install solar panels) and then what you do with it are important. Even if something like solar panels aren’t possible for your nursery then doing the small things each day (switching off lights, running washes at lower temperatures etc) are all good habits to have.
It’s also worth thinking about how you can reduce your water usage. Little tricks like filling a jug with tap water and placing it in your fridge will mean you don’t have to leave the cold tap running for the water to run cold before you fill your glass. Over a year, the amount you have will be striking.
Recycling
First up, does your nursery have a recycling policy? If not then we think it’s time! But even if you have one in place, it’s worth evaluating if you’re getting the most out of it and if there’s more you could be doing. Is your policy clear to all members of staff? Is there any way you could get your little ones involved in the process? A clear system of easily accessible boxes with labels and pictures on them makes recycling a more engaging experience for everybody involved.
One factor to consider here is if you can reduce your plastic consumption and actual need to recycle to begin with. If staff are bringing in plastic water bottles to work every day then maybe encourage them to switch to reusable bottles. When sourcing new toys, look for good quality ones that will last longer or consider buying second ones where possible.
Food
Lots of nurseries are now looking at the footprint they leave behind with their food consumption. Some have made the step of reducing the consumption of animal products in their nursery. For others, the focus is on trying to incorporate more local produce. Making a connection with a local farm or trying out a veg box scheme are great ways to get the ball rolling. Alternatively, if you’ve got a little outdoor space then is there a way you could look at growing your own vegetable or creating a little herb garden. It’s not uncommon for a nursery to even build a small worm farm to teach children about recycling, sustainability and animal behaviour. They are also introduced to caring for small creatures as well.
Have Fun
Recycling doesn’t have to be a chore! If explained correctly, children will very much engage with the idea of saving the planet. However, they can also engage with sustainability on a level that simply gives them pleasure too. Putting a basketball ball hoop over recycling bins means they’ll race to score points by putting waste through the hoop.
One of the most popular ways to showcase what you can get from waste is by building a recycled robot from a cereal box. This introduces the idea of not throwing things away haphazardly and making fun use of lots of items you’ll have already in the kitchen.
It’s not uncommon for a nursery to even build a small worm farm to teach children about reusing waste, recycling, sustainability and animal behaviour. They are also introduced to caring for small creatures as well. These are very low maintenance to create and provide valuable engagement over a sustained period of time too.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
