Good morning, Prep School family,
I hope that you are well and that you all managed to have a fun weekend. I had a very wholesome weekend – meeting friends, seeing family, gardening, cooking, shopping and generally relaxing. It was quiet and slow-paced, just what the doctor ordered as I was exhausted after my week. I did, however, have the most wonderful week last week. I was sent to a school that was the polar opposite of Highclare in so many ways. I met some brilliant teachers and children and I felt so privilege that I got to spend a week being immersed in a completely different learning environment. I learnt something from each individual that I came into contact with and have even ‘magpied’ a few idea to bring back to Birmingham with me. What a lucky lady I am to be able to visit so many of the unique and special schools that the UK has to offer. As I often say, each and every day is a school day and last week was – both literally and metaphorically for me!
Yesterday was Earth Day. A global event that I feel I know a very limited amount about, so in the spirit of lifelong learning, I did some research over the weekend. Such an important day that seems to have bypassed me (am I living under a rock?) or one that doesn’t promote itself enough. Either way, I thought that The Bulletin was a great opportunity to share my learning with you. Now I cannot take credit for most of below – that goes to National Geographic but I have add to their article where I thought I could add a little something.
Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive and survive! That’s why each year on 22 April, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to protect the planet. Many people use the day to do projects that will help the Earth. Some meet to discuss how to limit pollution, deforestation and how to save endangered animals and plants. Others plant trees, clean up parks and beaches, or set up recycling stations. In some places concerts and organised walks raise money for environmental groups.
Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. senator, founded Earth Day. He asked Denis Hayes, a college student, to organise the first Earth Day events. About 20 million Americans celebrated the first Earth Day in 1970. Rallies took place across the country and, by the end of the year, the U.S. government had created the Environmental Protection Agency. The day made more Americans aware of the damage that people had done to the environment. In 1990 Hayes organised the first International Earth Day. About 200 million people in 141 countries took part.
There are many ways that we can celebrate Earth Day to raise awareness of global environmental issues and protect the planet at the same time. Check out these Earth Day ideas to help save the planet and our futures any time of year.
BECOME A WASTE WARRIOR
A plastic bottle can take over 450 years to break down in a landfill. Before throwing something away, think about whether it can be recycled or repurposed.
The number of rubbish lorries Americans fill each year would stretch halfway to the moon. Toilet paper tubes, made from cardboard, take two months to decompose in a landfill. A plastic bottle sticks around for way longer—it can take over 450 years to break down! But instead of turning to the rubbish bin, you could turn these items into a telescope or a flower planter. Before you throw something away, think about whether it can be recycled or repurposed. You can also limit waste by reducing the amount of things you buy. For example, check the library for that book you have to read before visiting the shop and buying it.
PLANT A TREE
Researchers estimate roughly 15 billion trees in the world are cut down each year, so help offset that loss by planting a tree of your own. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen for people to breathe. They also provide shelter and food for animals such as squirrels and owls. Depending on where trees are planted, their shade can even reduce the need for air-conditioning in hotter months. How many more reasons do you need to go green?
TURN OFF THE LIGHTS
Electricity can be made from renewable sources like wind, water, the sun, and even elephant dung. Does that lamp really need to be on while the sun is out? Electricity doesn’t just happen—it has to be produced from things around us. A lot of times it comes from fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) that contribute to climate change, but electricity can also be made from renewable sources like wind, water, the sun, and even elephant poo! No matter where it’s coming from, try conserving electrical energy by using only what you need.
LIMIT YOUR WATER USAGE
Turning off the tap when you brush your teeth can conserve up to eight gallons of water a day. It might seem like it’s everywhere, but clean, drinkable water is a limited resource. In fact less than one percent of the water on Earth can be used by humans. (The rest is either too salty or too difficult to access). To help save even more water, challenge yourself to take a shorter shower (but obviously still get clean!).
OFFER YOUR TIME
With a parent’s permission, volunteer to pick up rubbish at a nearby park, start a collection initiative for recyclable items, or organise an event to make the local community aware of the issues. By getting involved and working with others, you’re not just helping the Earth—you’re making new friends too!
SPREAD THE MESSAGE
Talk to your friends and family members about what you’re doing and ask them to help. The more people who are aware of the small changes they can make, the better off our planet will be. Just remember many small actions have a huge impact.
BE A PLANET HERO!
By now, you’ll no doubt be pretty knowledgeable about Earth Day and why it’s so important, but here are a few fun facts that you may not know:
In its lifetime, one reusable bag can prevent the use of 600 plastic bags.
Recycling one can of fizzy drink will save enough energy to power a television for three hours.
Shutting down a computer when it’s not in use cuts the energy consumption by 85%.
For every mile walked instead of driven, nearly one pound of pollution is kept out of the air.
Nowadays,1 billion people from 190 countries take part in Earth Day events.
The 50th anniversary of Earth Day was in 2020.
Each year’s Earth Day features a different theme. For instance, the theme for 2019’s Earth Day was ‘Protect Our Species’, and there was an emphasis on animal and plant species that are at risk of extinction.
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Dr Jane Goodall
Quote of the week: I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues” – Dr Seuss – The Lorax
Well-being tasks for this week: These tasks are based on Active April. They are meant to provide us with daily actions to help us to get moving and to stay active and healthy!
Tuesday 23 April – Help out by doing an errand for a loved one
Wednesday 24 April – Get active in nature – feed the birds or go wildlife spotting
Thursday 25 April – Have a ‘no screens’ night and recharge fully
Friday 26 April – Take a break and go outside for 15 minutes
Saturday 27 April – Find a fun exercise to do whilst waiting for you toast to cook or the kettle to boil
Sunday 28 April – Meet a friend outside for a walk or a chat
Monday 29 April – Find a cause that you really believe in and support it
Jokes of the week:
Can one bird make a pun? No, but toucan.
When is a door not a door? When it’s ajar.
Why wasn’t the letter delivered? It was stationary.
How can you tell when a bike is thinking? Their wheels are turning.
What events do spiders love to attend? Webbings.
Conversation starters:
What is your favourite dessert?
When was the last time you felt lonely and what made you feel better?
5 things that I am grateful for or looking forward to this week:
Can you try this simple exercise in gratitude and positivity?
- I am looking forward to the Reception class assemblies this week.
- I am looking forward to watching the new Midsomer that I still have not caught up on!
- I am looking forward to the rain stopping at some point. . .
- I am grateful for many new learning opportunities last week and for experiencing new things.
- I am grateful for the bird song in the morning.
Sleeps til Santa: 245 sleeps. . .
Have a lovely week and remember to look out for each other and try and spend some extra time outdoors. . .even in the rain!
With much love,
Mrs Bennett
