Environmentally Conscious Practices
Embracing the principles of sustainability to reduce carbon footprints on Mother Earth, we take pride in a horizontally spread, green campus. Large classrooms in Shikshantar are designed with high ceilings, large windows, and a hexagonal shape to naturally facilitate the optimum flow of fresh air. Classrooms have greenery in and around and children breathe fresh air instead of being trapped in artificially cooled air through air conditioning. This takes us to another step in the conservation of the environment. Large area of the campus is runs on solar energy, which further reduces the consumption of electricity and increases green footprints.
Shikshantar has a special and sustainable way of celebrating birthdays with extended family members. A diya is lit invoking the illumination within and wishing peace all around. We have a tradition of bringing sweets made at home and blessed with love, warmth, and positive energy, instead of packaged food.
Our students have embarked on a remarkable journey towards creating a greener and environmentally conscious classroom. They have taken the initiative to clean their surroundings with enthusiasm and a sense of ownership using locally available resources. Whether it is after project experiences, during tiffin time, or engaging in other activities, the children continue to clean their spaces with a deep sense of love and respect. This process not only fosters their self-reliance and independence but also instills in them a profound appreciation for all tasks, no matter how small.
In our ongoing commitment to reduce our carbon footprints, we have replaced plastic folders with sustainable alternatives such as cloth or recycled paper folders. Additionally, we have found innovative ways to repurpose old newspapers and printing sheets transforming them into beautiful canvases adorning our display boards or turning them into hand-painted buntings for celebration. Not only this we have taken a leap by begining to gradually remove disposable plastic ball pens and replacing them with fountain pens for the entire Shikshantar community.
Through these efforts, we have witnessed a significant decrease in the usage of plastic bottles, tiffins, and aluminum foils, as we gradually and steadily transition Shikshantar into an eco-friendly space. It is truly inspiring to see the immense potential that emerges from what is typically considered trash or waste material. Each discarded item now has the opportunity to be reborn as artwork, project model, installation, or other such creative manifestations.
By embracing these sustainable practices, our students not only contribute to a healthier environment but also develop a profound understanding of the importance of responsible consumption and waste management.