As we watch the planet smother under a mantle of man-made waste, Chapala’s Preparatoria Regional is breaking ground with small scale initiative to change every day human habits that damage the environment and human health.
The Escuela Verde project implemented with the August 13 start of the 2018-2019 academic term involves students, teachers and other school staff in concerted efforts to avoid the generation of harmful wastes and act as responsible stewards of their natural surroundings.
“We live in one of the earth’s places most rich in natural resources. Yet many people remain indifferent to the pollution of Lake Chapala’s waters, destruction of our local flora and fauna, vanishing landscapes covered in concrete,” says Prepa Director Juan Ramon Alvarez Lopez. “Starting with small actions here on campus can lead to big steps on a broader scale.”
He explains that the Green School program is multi-faceted, starting with a reduction in the amount of wastes carried to the campus, especially pervasive materials such as PET plastic and polystyrene foam. Students and staff are asked bring snacks and drinks from home in reusable containers. For disposable stuff that does come on-site, there are trash bins designated for depositing separated organic, recyclable and single-use materials.
Álvarez sees a side benefit to following those practices. As members of the school community consume less junk food and throw-away packaging, they will save money and enjoy better health, fighting off the ravages of diabetes and kidney ailments.
The school has special areas for storing recyclable plastic, composting organic waste, and a nursery to grow plants and trees. These have been established to counteract the trash collection service provided by a private outfit contracted by the local government that mixes all types of rubbish together in its garbage trucks.
Alvarez is optimistic that the Escuela Verde model will be copied in other sectors of the community, from educational programs in all local schools, to better waste management by restaurants, grocery outlets and other businesses, to sensible environmental policies integrated in the municipality’s governance of urban planning.