2. Introduction As we can all see, most Malaysian schools are not so environment friendly. It’s either the teachers are not setting a good example or perhaps the students are just plain lazy to do their part. This is however a very serious case as it is causes global warming. It is important that we students start practising the being green as we will show a good example to everyone else around us. Therefore, everyone else would hopefully follow to do the same too. So, I have prepared 3 awesome simple ways to make my awesome school more GREEN.
3. 1. Recycle The activity that comes to mind most quickly when thinking of going green is often recycling. Recycling bins are showing up more and more in public places and along city streets on trash day. Recycling is easy to do—it’s just a matter of remembering to do it.
4. How to RECYCLE? 1.Compost. Start a compost of the leftovers from the cafeteria. This site will tell you all you need to know about composting.2.Use Recycled. Encourage use of items that you can purchase recycled such as copier paper, notebooks, and ink jet cartridges.3.Add Bins. If they are not already in place, provide bins for aluminum, plastic and glass recycling in cafeterias and vending areas.4.Wear Recycled. For schools that require uniforms, purchase from company that creates school uniforms from recycled soda bottles.5.Phones and Cartridges. Hold a recycling drive for used cell phones and toner cartridges.
5. 2. Reuse We have talked about recycling. You are probably wondering what 'reuse' means and how it can affect you and your community.Reuse is very different from recycling. Instead of carefully discarding items that can be recycled to make new products, reuse involves using the items in another way, when their primary use is finished.
6. How to REUSE? Instead of using paper plates use plastic that can be washed and reused. You will have to buy less plates and throw less away. Use rechargeable batteries instead of regular batteries. We blow through batteries for our camera. Although the rechargeables are more expensive upfront they have more than paid for themselves even in the short term. Reuse containers whenever possible. Why throw out that pickle jar when it could be used to hold paperclips or other small items? Could that old margarine tub be used like tupperware? Before you put it in the trash make sure you have no other uses for it around the house. Wear it out before you throw it out! Reuse packaging and boxes. Either reuse them for mailing other packages or use them for gift giving instead of buying gift boxes. I keep a variety of them in my garage for the holidays. They all look the same wrapped up anyways!
7. 3. Reduce his means to reduce the amount of garbage you generate. Try to buy items that are going to last longer so you do not have to buy them as often. Sure, there will be some items that do not have a long shelf life but you can still try to find those items that do.
8. How to REDUCE? Reduce paper transactions by going digital for bill payment, vendor ordering, invoices, online banking, e-mail and faxing directly from your computer. Use ceiling fans to reduce the use of air conditioners. Set PCs to power-down when not in use. Switch to low-energy lighting and compact fluorescent bulbs. Put outdoor lighting on timers.
9. Conclusion We really do hope everything mentioned previously will make the students of my school and perhaps also other schools think GREEN and be GREEN as it is the only way to prevent global warming. Also by participating in the KDU University College Cat Hot Tour, we can learn a lot about going GREEN!