What is environmentally friendly education?

Satunnainen

Environmentally friendly education is an approach that integrates the principles of sustainable development and environmental awareness into curricula and educational practices. The goal is to raise pupils and students into responsible citizens who understand the importance of environmental protection and know how to act in accordance with sustainable development. Environmentally friendly education covers a wide range of topics and practices, which can be divided into the following areas:

1. Principles of sustainable development

The principles of sustainable development are at the heart of environmentally friendly education. These principles include sustainable use of natural resources, mitigation of climate change, protection of biodiversity and social justice. The aim of the training is to increase awareness of these principles and their meaning.

2. Increasing environmental awareness

Increasing environmental awareness is a key part of environmentally friendly education. This can be achieved, for example, in the following ways:

  • Updating curricula to include environmental topics.
  • Conducting environmental projects and research.
  • Visits to nature sites and environmental centers.
  • Cooperation with environmental organizations.

3. Sustainable practices at school

Schools can adopt sustainable practices that support environmentally friendly education. These policies can be, for example:

  1. Promotion of recycling and waste reduction.
  2. Saving energy and water.
  3. Establishment of green spaces such as school gardens.
  4. Use of sustainable materials and supplies.

4. Teacher training

Teacher training is an essential part of environmentally friendly education. Teachers must be aware of the principles of sustainable development and know how to integrate these principles into their teaching. This can be achieved by providing teachers with:

  • Training and workshops on sustainable development topics.
  • Resources and materials for teaching environmental topics.
  • Opportunities to participate in environmental projects and projects.

5. Community Involvement

Environmentally friendly education is not only limited within the walls of the school, but also extends to the wider community. Schools can collaborate with local communities, businesses and organizations to promote sustainable development. This may include:

  • Organizing community projects and events.
  • Participating in environmental campaigns.
  • Inviting local experts to give lectures and hold workshops.

Environmentally friendly education is therefore a comprehensive approach that aims to integrate the principles of sustainable development and environmental awareness into education. This requires changes in curricula, educational practices and community involvement. More information on environmentally friendly education can be found, for example, in the following sources:

UNESCO: Education for Sustainable Development
Education Board: Sustainable Development

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