If we really want to protect the environment, schools must be a part of the change. After all, schools are where the next generation is growing and learning. Making small changes in the way we run schools can make a big difference to our planet.

At GoSharpener, we believe schools have the power to lead this change. And when students take action and share their green efforts, they can win scholarships and be recognised as young sustainability champions. Let’s look at how you can start.

1. Make Environmental Learning Part of Daily Life

Students connect better when they learn about real-world problems. Don’t wait for Earth Day and Environment Day. Start simple conversations around topics like climate change, pollution, and deforestation.

Read books about Environmental leaders like Greta Thunberg or watch short videos on how our daily habits affect the planet and how we save it. Ask students to find their family’s carbon footprint or to think about the journey of a plastic bottle.

GoSharpener has fun activity sheets you can try in your school, too.

2. Use Waste for Craft

Instead of throwing away bottle caps, paper rolls, or old CDs, collect them in a “craft bin.” Let students create art and useful items from these materials.

It’s a great way to reuse things and helps kids think creatively about waste. You can even start a donation box where students bring clean recyclables from home.

3. Start Composting

Even if your school can’t handle all cafeteria waste, every class can have a small compost bin. Use a compost bin for fruit peels, snack leftovers, tea bags, or other biodegradable things.

This reduces food waste and helps to teach kids how waste turns back into soil. Some schools use worm bins, others send scraps to local farms, or parents who compost.

4. Don’t Waste Paper

We all know how much paper is used daily. But did you know that using both sides of paper can save a lot? Keep a stack of single-sided paper for extra worksheets, drawing, or printing drafts.

Place a tray near the printer or copier where teachers and students can put unused paper. It saves trees and also school money.

5. Buy Smarter Tech

Instead of buying brand-new laptops, think of remanufactured ones. They work just as well and cost less, both for your budget and the environment.

Producing a laptop creates a huge amount of carbon pollution. By reusing good-quality tech, schools become part of a circular economy that values reuse over waste.

6. Grow Your Food

You don’t need a big space to start a garden. Even a few pots with herbs or salad leaves are enough. Students love seeing seeds grow into something they can eat.

It also helps them understand where food comes from and why local, fresh produce is better for health and the environment. For protecting the environment, Learning to Lead Green: GoSharpener’s Vision for Eco-Conscious Education.

If your school has space, involve the kitchen staff and ask them what vegetables they would like to see grown. It makes lunch more exciting, too!

7. Save Energy

Something as small as turning off lights and shutting down computers at the end of the day can make a big difference.

You can create small tasks for students, like being the “energy monitor” for the week. Make sure windows are closed when heaters are on, and always use energy-saving bulbs when replacing lights.

8. Plan Zero-Waste Events

Whether it's a school fair or parents’ day, plan with less waste in mind. Avoid plastic plates or single-use bottles. Buy in bulk and use items that can be recycled or reused.

Serve only what is needed to reduce food waste, and make separate bins for garbage, recycling, and composting.

9. Use Safer Cleaning Products

Switch to eco-friendly cleaners in classrooms. Many regular cleaners have strong chemicals that harm kids and the environment.

Green products are safer, and their packaging is usually recyclable. Ask your staff to check labels and slowly replace harsh products with better options.

10. Walk to School More Often

Encourage students to walk or cycle to school. Start a “Walk to School Wednesday” or give small rewards to regular walkers.

If students are too young to walk alone, try a walking bus—a group walk with adult volunteers. It’s safe, fun, and good for health and the planet.

Final Thought: Start Small, But Start Today

Making your school sustainable doesn’t mean doing everything at once. It’s about starting with one or two simple changes and building from there.

Every small action matters. Whether it’s growing a plant, saving a sheet of paper, or picking up trash, it all counts.

And don’t forget — if you’re doing something green in your school, join GoSharpener and share your sustainability moments. You could win scholarships, get featured, and inspire others to follow your lead.

Let’s work together to make our schools greener, cleaner, and ready for the future.