Eco-friendly Week at ACS Hillingdon International School
Recently the middle school students at ACS Hillingdon took part in an event called Eco-friendly Week from November 24-28th, 2008. The purpose of this week was to raise money for ‘Roots and Shoots.’ We also wanted to raise awareness of environmental issues.
In order to prepare for the event, the Student Council brainstormed ideas for fundraising, and Rayan Asfari (Student Council Environmental Advisor) gave a brief presentation about ‘Roots and Shoots’ and the purpose of the ‘Eco-friendly week’ to the entire middle school.
- Promoting recycling
During the week, we had many charitable events including a raffle where we sold tickets for three gift baskets. In each basket we had a number of eco-friendly/ organic/ fair trade products. We also had a used book/ DVD sale in order to promote reusing unwanted items. In addition, students got sponsors and dressed up as eco-friendly characters or just wild and crazy! Finally, a group of students worked on creating a design for re-useable bags.
- Designing re-usable bags
To see the entire middle school cooperating and taking part was truly inspiring. Even better was the fact that the school raised more than 1000 pounds, mostly achieved by students. ACS Hillingdon International School donated £500 to ‘Roots and Shoots’ instead of sending out paper holiday cards. The Eco-friendly week raised £501.48. In total, ‘Roots and Shoots’ received a donation of £1001.48! In addition, we are just waiting to hear from a group in the high school, who were also inspired and are making a donation. This total will be updated shortly!
- Everybody was involved
We are confident that our school will continue to keep in mind ‘eco-friendly’ practices. Our recycling program has been enormously successful, and we are taking measures every day in order to become more environmentally aware. For example, as a result of our week, we got rid of the plastic cups at our water dispenser. We also brainstormed other ways in which we can become more sustainable. Like Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
‘The power of youth is global.’- Roots and Shoots
Middle School Student Council
ACS Hillingdon International School