Orion College and Colourful Splendour Nursery in Honeydew teamed up to celebrate Earth Day on April 22.
On the morning of Earth Day, the nursery’s truck graced Orion College with a specially curated selection of plants. The goal was to ignite a passion for sustainability among learners while also beautifying the school.
Earth Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring action to tackle the various environmental challenges facing our planet. Wendy Graham, from Colourful Splendour Nursery, said, “This day is also a time to celebrate those who have done a lot to help the environment. Over 193 countries celebrate Earth Day around the globe, with more people getting involved every year.”
Tarryn Talbot, marketing liaison of Orion College, shared the school’s commitment to environmental education, stating, “Environmental concerns are universal, which can bridge divides that otherwise separate us. By understanding the importance of Earth Day, learners will have the tools to better consider the climate crisis and communicate their feelings about it.”
Talbot said that they encouraged all of the learner’s parents to purchase a plant from the nursery’s truck which will then be planted on the school’s grounds. “The plants are kept in a part of our garden with the least amount of foot traffic. Our parent support committee assisted us in planting.”
Graham explained that Orion College was looking to enhance its surrounding environment to make it more of a haven for children to explore the natural world. “We brought colourful plants both indigenous and exotic which attract birds, butterflies, insects and even fairies which allows children’s imaginations to grow.”
She added that they also provided edible plants as well to allow the school to grow their own healthy produce. “By offering plants suitable for different environments like succulents for drier areas or indoor plants for inside the classroom, this allows the parents to choose which areas of the school they would like to enhance.”
Reflecting on their relationship with the school, Graham said, “Last year, we had the opportunity to teach classes at Orion about gardening, sparking a wonderful partnership.” She explained that initiatives like this one contribute to environmental education by increasing understanding and promoting behavioural change. “It gives children the understanding that they can make a difference and it starts with a small action. By raising awareness, children are more likely to adopt eco-friendly behaviours such as recycling, reducing energy consumption, and supporting sustainable practices.”
Talbot agreed with Graham and said, “Although Earth Day is celebrated only once a year, we should emphasise, daily, our commitment to continued action because environmental challenges like climate change, pollution, and biosphere loss, require our ongoing efforts.”
In celebration of Earth Day, Graham shared these tips on how individuals and communities can make a positive impact on the environment:
- Reduce waste, reuse items whenever possible, and recycle materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal.
- Conserve water by fixing leaks, installing water-saving devices, and being mindful of water usage in daily activities.
- Choose sustainable products by opting for products with minimal packaging, made from recycled materials, and produced using environmentally friendly practices.
- Go green by planting trees, and gardens in pots or containers.
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