An example from Deniz from Turkey
The sun has barely risen as I wake up and get prepared to set out to my zero-waste school in
the year 2050. Slipping on my backpack made from recycled fabrics and plastics, I step out
the door. Just on time, a solar-powered bus pulls up, and I board it. At every stop, there are
these lush vertical gardens that not only purify the air but also add a touch of green to the
urban setting. I start drifting to sleep whilst watching the lavish green scenery pass by
through the window.
I wake up when we arrive at the gates covered in overgrown vines. The school itself is a
wonder in sustainable architecture, with walls covered in living plants to maintain regulated
temperature and air quality. The various large, well-placed windows and skylights bathe the
hallways in bright light. The entire building runs on renewable resources like solar and wind,
hence guaranteeing minimal carbon footprints.
We have a small assembly every morning in the eco-auditorium to talk about what is
happening that day and update each other on the progress of our ongoing projects related to
sustainability. Today, there is an announcement about the new composting system in our
cafeteria. Our school teamed up with local farms to ensure that all organic waste is
composted and put back into the ground, closing the circle of material flow and eventually
contributing to local food production.
I then find my friends and we head to science class together, where we continue our project to
redesign everyday products for a circular economy. We were taught about differences
between linear and circular economies and how products can be designed to reduce waste.
Today, my team is concentrating on developing a prototype of a reusable and repairable
smartphone. We use design thinking to empathize with users, define their needs, come up
with solutions and create prototypes which we test and refine. It’s exciting knowing that one
day our ideas could turn into real life projects that can help in reducing electronic waste.
During the break I walk over to the water refill station to fill up my reusable bottle. Instead of
single-use plastics, our school has refill stations for water, soap or even snacks. On-site snack
dispensers feature health-conscious selections from local sources that are delivered in
returnable containers. All packaging used is completely biodegradable or recyclable, and
students are encouraged to bring their own containers for snacks or lunch. I grab a granola
bar, and head to my next class.
We’re looking at different ways to make beauty with what other people may consider waste
in art class. Today, we’re making sculptures from trash and waste collected from around the
school and community premises. So, this is not only about changing our perception of
rubbish but also encouraging innovation and creativity. Our art projects are often displayed
around the school, serving as a constant reminder of the importance of reusing and
repurposing materials.
The highlight of my day is lunchtime which I spend in the cafeteria with my friends. The
school garden provides us with most of our food produce while any food that remains unused
is taken for composting. We all use reusable dishes, utensils as well as linen napkins, with a
zero waste rule strictly enforced. In case we have leftovers, we can either take them back
home with the help of reusable containers or give the food away for composting in the school
gardens. Energy-efficient appliances and furniture made out of recycled wood are among the
features of our cafeteria designed with sustainability in mind.
After lunch, I have a meeting with the Eco-Club where we discuss how to organize our next
outreach program in the community. Our most recent campaign deals with a project aimed at
minimizing single-use plastics within our local region; today we share ideas on how local
businesses can join us to make this come true. We do this using our school’s digital platform,
which also helps greatly in minimizing the use of paper and making it more effective when
collaborating.
In the afternoon, I attend a mandatory renewable energy workshop. We learn about the latest
solar and wind technology improvements, and how they might be used in our school and
homes. At the workshop, we are given hands-on experiences where we experiment with small
versions of solar panels as well as wind mills.
At the end of the school day, I go to the after-school gardening club. My friends and I work
on the school garden for an hour which helps provide our cafeteria with food and serves as a
living classroom where we learn about sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. Today, we are
planting a new section with heirloom vegetables that will be ready for harvest in a few
months.
Finally, it’s time to go home. As I leave, I ensure that I put all compostable materials in the
school's compost pit and make sure I have all of my reusable containers with me. The bus
ride home is a serene opportunity to reflect on how lucky I am to live in an eco-friendly era
among people who care so much about sustainability and zero waste.
Having been born into a society where not using renewable resources is a huge taboo, this
mindset is ingrained in our daily lives, shaping our behaviors, decisions, and innovations to
ensure that we live in harmony with the Earth. It’s strange to think that previous generations
considered it acceptable to pollute the environment and generate massive amounts of waste
without regard for the long-term consequences.
Living and learning in a zero-waste school in 2050, every aspect of our day, from the design
of our school buildings to our curriculum and extracurricular activities, is focused on
reducing waste and fostering a deep respect for our planet. It’s a world where waste is not just
minimized but basically eliminated, and where every action we take is a step towards a more
sustainable future.
An example from Genus Thus in Zimbabwe
Title: A day in the life of our zero waste school in 2050, a vision of sustainability.
A zero waste school with an emphasis on sustainability and waste reduction is
planned to open in 2050. The circular economy and the waste management hierarchy
concepts serve as the foundation for this strategy. While the circular economy
principle focuses on closing material and resource loops as near to the production
source as feasible, the waste management hierarchy principle seeks to limit the
quantity of trash produced and send it to final disposal.
The school community actively participates in maintaining a waste-free environment
by means of students, teachers, and staff. When students arrive at school, the parking
area is covered by a solar-powered canopy that has electric vehicle charging stations
installed within. They deposit organic waste in compost bins that have been properly
made; the compost is then turned into nutrient-rich compost that may be used in the
school gardens. Students and staff can easily recycle paper, plastic, glass, and other
materials at recycling stations with bins that are clearly labelled. Students studying art
are taught about up-cycling, which is the creative re-purposing of waste materials into
useful things and [Link] on science and agriculture centre on aerobic
digestion, a naturally occurring process in which micro-organisms break down
organic waste into biogas, the most energy-dense of which is methane.
The school will put the zero-waste philosophy into practice by decreasing the amount
of materials leaving the school grounds and recycling all materials and substances
produced inside, including solid waste, water, waste water, grey water and faecal
sludge. The school promotes the use of eco-friendly transit options, such as bike racks
and e-scooter charging stations, as a way to lower carbon emissions among students
and staff. Additionally, the school works with the local government to offer a reliable
public transportation system that promotes carpooling and eases traffic congestion.
The school building itself is a wonderful example of ecological architecture, with
ample natural light pouring through the hallways thanks to big windows and skylights
that maximise energy efficiency. Rainwater harvesting systems gather and hold water
for reasons other than drinking, such watering the school gardens and bathrooms.
As per UNESCO's suggestion, education is seen as a crucial element in tackling
environmental and sustainability concerns and guaranteeing the welfare of both
humans and the natural world. Through a balanced and integrated approach to the
economic, social, and environmental components of sustainable development, it
enables and equips present and future generations to meet their requirements. To
enable a more sustainable and just society for all, education for sustainable
development promotes changes in knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes.
The school's classrooms are outfitted with cutting-edge technology, enabling virtual
learning opportunities. Students participate in interactive classes that prioritise
reducing waste, conserving resources, and being sustainable. Students participate in
intricate case studies while learning about the effects of trash on the environment and
investigating innovative ways to reduce it. Including community members and local
organisations, as well as environmental experts, in support groups will help students
develop environmentally conscious behaviours and a sense of responsibility for the
sustainability of the environment. By taking part in waste audits and serving as eco
ambassadors, students actively contribute to waste reduction projects.
The way the process is set up across the entire institution allows stakeholders to work
together to create a plan and vision for implementing education for sustainability
throughout the entire establishment. Employees set an example for others by utilising
reusable items and incorporating sustainable practices into their everyday lives.
Opportunities for parents to volunteer, do research, and gather money for
school-based trash management initiatives are provided.
In the cafeteria, children fill their own reusable water bottles at filtered stations and
eat wholesome meals prepared with biodegradable ingredients. Careful portioning
reduces food waste, and leftovers are composted or given to nearby food banks.
Additionally, some students use hydroponic systems to irrigate the school's gardens
and orchards.
Students engage in extracurricular activities that support trash reduction after school.
The Robotics Club creates robots for recycling and rubbish sorting, while the
Eco-Club plans clean-up days for the community. Through project-based learning,
students can investigate the planet and its function. The institution receives financial
and technical support for its reorientation, along with training in leadership and
administration, research, formulation of guidelines, and examples of best practices.
By 2050, the zero waste school wants to be a centre of sustainability, with all
members of the community actively participating in trash reduction initiatives.
Innovative teaching strategies, environmentally friendly facilities, and stimulating
extracurricular activities foster the development of environmentally conscious people.
We create the conditions for a future in which waste is reduced, resources are
preserved, and the world flourishes by encouraging responsibility and innovation.
Because of the depletion of habitats, the usage of harmful chemicals in pollution, and
the scarcity of resources, the linear rise of natural resource use since the industrial
revolution cannot continue.
An Example from Mauricio from Paraguay
Sit back and imagine a waste-free world in 2050 within your school. Picture yourself
as the designer of this future, where creativity unlocks unlimited potential.
Let your imagination soar as you envision a greener future for your school and our
planet.
In the year 2050, in the arid hills of Bajo Chaco, my school stands out not only for its
academic excellence but also as a model of sustainability. Known as "Cerrito," this
self-sufficient school has become a symbol of ecological practices and innovative education,
reflecting the principles of unique entrepreneurship it has inspired.
Sitting at my desk in Cerrito, I look around and see a transformed world. This transformation
is evident in the buildings made from recycled and sustainable materials, where the primary
raw material is recyclable waste generated within the institution and reused through proper
selective collection. The buildings are designed to maximize natural light and minimize
energy consumption. Instead of traditional blackboards, the walls are equipped with
interactive screens powered by solar energy. Here, we not only learn mathematics and
sciences but also about the importance of sustainability and the impact of our actions on the
environment.
The heart of the school is its extensive self-sustaining orchard, a natural extension of the
classrooms. Here, we cultivate organic fruits and vegetables using permaculture and
regenerative agriculture techniques. The organic waste from the school cafeteria is turned
into compost, closing the nutrient cycle and enriching the soil of the orchard. We learn about
biodiversity, the water cycle, and the importance of healthy ecosystems.
Rainwater is collected and used to irrigate the orchard and gardens surrounding the school.
We are responsible for caring for the plants, learning about the water cycle, and the
importance of resource conservation. Each cultivated plant serves as a living reminder of the
connection between humans and nature.
In the classrooms, innovation never stops. We integrate subjects like robotics and
programming, allowing us to develop technological solutions to environmental problems.
One of my standout projects was the development of a robot that helps optimize water
usage, using sensors to control irrigation and collecting water from dew and
evapotranspiration with fog-catching nets. This project led me to win the national
championship of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2023. With the support of Junior
Achievement and Fundación Paraguaya, at 17 years old, I developed my first educational
video game that impacts over 10 schools in Paraguay and earned me a scholarship to
London.
Named "Cerrito Sprouts," this social entrepreneurship was selected as one of the top 10 in
the climate category for the bootcamp held in London by Youth Business International in
June 2024. Cerrito Sprouts Game (DEMO) is an educational video game focused on the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this game, we learn about the importance
of climate action, global warming, and the point of no return. The game is not only
educational but also interactive and fun, fostering dynamic and effective learning.
Cerrito Sprouts addresses two major issues in Paraguay: the lack of or inadequate waste
valorization (up-cycling) actions and deficient environmental education. Paraguay has one of
the worst enrollment rates in all of Latin America. Cerrito Sprouts began as a school project
at Cerrito's self-sufficient school, conducting environmental education and recycling
workshops. Our core business includes the sale of organic seedlings, 100% biodegradable
cardboard pots, tote bags made from recycled clothing and textiles, among others, through
an e-commerce platform promoting an eco-friendly business model.
Cerrito Sprouts also took a fundamental step in the Paraguayan educational system,
pioneering and setting an example for the creation of other cognitive tools using technology.
Working in partnership with the government and other NGOs, we aim to reach over 50,000
children outside the educational system through workshops conducted in disadvantaged
environments and collaborating with schools to improve the education of the 89.5% of
Paraguayan children who do not have access to environmental education.
Cerrito Sprouts aims to establish the first center for collecting recyclable waste, generating
income that is reinvested in the construction of more collection centers in collaboration with
other schools. This network of collection centers will not only promote the circular economy
but also provide resources to improve school infrastructure, support local communities, and
raise environmental awareness through talks and good recycling practices.
Imagine a world where every school is like Cerrito, a beacon of sustainability, self-sufficiency,
and creativity. In this future, we learn not only about mathematics and sciences but also
about the importance of caring for the planet. Every action, from composting waste to using
renewable energy, contributes to a cleaner and greener world.
