The theme for this year’s World Environment Day is #BeatPlasticPollution, and a Monash University expert is encouraging schools to get involved in tackling this global issue to help students understand the importance of keeping plastic out of our oceans.
Professor Alan Reid, School of Curriculum Teaching & Inclusive Education, Monash University Faculty of Education
Contact details: +61 3 9903 4840 or media@monash.edu
Read more from Professor Reid on Monash Lens
The following can be attributable to Professor Reid:
“By teaching students about the impact of plastic pollution on ocean wildlife, schools can help cultivate a sense of connection, empathy and responsibility in young people.
“Schools should consider adopting a ‘whole school’ approach when promoting sustainability and reducing plastic waste. By engaging the entire school community in efforts to reduce plastic waste, schools can nurture a culture of dialogue about diverse aspects of sustainability, and how the school community promotes positive engagement, problem-solving and real action.
“Some innovative approaches that schools can use to teach students about ocean plastic pollution are the Plastic Free Schools project and the Sea Country program. These inclusive, creative and interactive approaches can help all students connect with the issue in meaningful ways and encourage them to become advocates for change.
“By teaching about this environmental issue in school subjects and via cross-curricular priorities, teachers can help students understand the interconnectedness of environmental problems. Climate change, habitat loss and pollution are all linked. Recognising this can inspire young people to think more broadly about environmental issues and take a more holistic approach to sustainability.”
To learn more about how schools and students can participate in the #BeatPlasticPollution campaign and foster a sense of environmental stewardship, please visit TeachSpace.
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