"Ontario EcoSchools is an environmental education and certification program for grades K-12 that helps school communities develop both ecological literacy and environmental practices to become environmentally responsible citizens and reduce the ecological footprint of schools. The EcoSchools program focuses on 4 components: Ecological Literacy, Waste Minimization, Energy Conservation, and School Ground Greening.
In York Region, we currently have 147 certified elementary schools, secondary schools, and Outdoor Education Centres. Each year, the number of certified schools in York Region grows and we get closer to our goal of "Every school an EcoSchool".
Boxwood is Thinking Green!!!
Our school has been registered as an eco-school! This program challenges our school and students to become more eco-friendly. We are taking small steps at our school to help the environment. Our students at our school are beginning to make small changes to becoming greener such as turning off lights and becoming more aware of what goes in the garbage bin and the recycling bin. These are some minor changes that we are taking to become greener.
What Can You Do!
Properly disposing used batteries is important to the environment. Batteries contain environmentally harmful substances such as mercury, lead, nickel and other metals. If it is not properly disposed, these substances slowly leak into our landfills into the surrounding land and groundwater. We set up a bin in our school where you can dispose of used batteries. All you need to do is bring in your used batteries to the office (preferably in a reusable bag) so that we can dispose of the batteries for you by bring it into a recycling depot centre.
Pop Tabs for Wheelchairs
We ask that all of our student collect pop can tabs this year. What do pop can tabs have to do with wheelchairs? Here's how it works: Pop can tabs are made from pure aluminum, which is valuable to the metal recycling depot, which will pay for them by the pound. Proceeds from this are sent to the President's Choice Children's Charity which buys wheelchairs and related equipment for children and families in need. All you have to do is remove the tab from your can of pop and save it. Ask your family, friends, and co-workers to help you collect! This can also be a great project for Kindergarten and Primary students who are learning how to count to high numbers. Our goal is to collect 30,000 tabs by the end of June. Together, we can achieve anything! So, show some Boxwood spirit and help support this worthy cause! Thank you in advance and we look forward to receiving all of your tabs!!