Action ideas for schools
Environmental education is an essential part of the Baltic Sea activities, and the role of municipal education and training as well as individual schools is important. With education and information related to environmental matters and especially water protection, the awareness of the citizens impact of their own actions on the surrounding environment is increased and thus environmentally friendly behavior is influenced.
Schools and educational institutions can carry out Baltic Sea measures in addition to environmental education, but also by examining, for example, energy use, water use, recycling arrangements and the use of chemicals.
Examples of concrete measures
Promoting biodiversity
Increase biodiversity in your immediate surroundings. Make insect hotels or take part in invasive alien species campaigns.
Garbage collection
Organise a garbage collection where you collect rubbish from your local area. In Finland many libraries and cities borrow trash tongs, but the essentials are a garbage bag and a spirit for outdoor activities. Discuss your thoughts about seeing garbage in the surroundings or make an installation or story of the collected rubbish.
Footprint calculation
Examine the strain caused by your organization and, on the other hand, people’s normal lives with the help of footprint thinking. Based on the results, choose ways in which you could reduce the load. The calculators can be used to estimate one’s own carbon footprint, water footprint and Baltic Sea footprint (in Finnish).
Raising awareness of the Baltic Sea
Study the water impacts of food and mobility choices in homes. Participate in citizen observations, for example, regarding the blue-green algae situation or invasive alien species. Request a visit from an organization that works in water protection.
Waste reduction
Pay attention to the amount of waste generated at school and think about how it could be reduced. Take care of recycling bins for different type of waste and deposit bottle collection on your premises.
Strengthening the identity of the Baltic Sea
Make an art project related to your local waterway, such as a photographic work, poem, play or installation. Spend an excursion day by the water. Organize a marine, lake or river themed quiz, art, or eco-design competition.
Organizations working to protect the Baltic Sea
Baltic Sea booklet
With the help of the booklet, you can go through all the good things you already do every day in front of the Baltic Sea and which actions can have an impact!