For years the mindset of our school has been environmentally friendly. There are paper recycling bins in every classroom as well as containers for packaging and empty bottles in hallways, and for batteries in the cloakroom.

We have sent over 3000 tons of waste paper for recycling. More than 15 000 plastic and glass bottles and aluminium cans have been sent to circulation. We have also collected about 150 kg of used batteries.

We try to reuse everything instead of just throwing it away!!

This year the events of the Waste Reduction Week are primarily aimed at our own students, but all parents are welcome to take part in our Recycling Day.

•Recycling Day on November 20
Our school has held an annual Recycling Day since 2008. For this event our teachers, their friends and acquaintances as well as several supporters gather a bunch of clothes, footwear, household goods, books, toys etc. During recess our students get to choose and keep anything they like. The door is also open for any parent who wishes to participate. Anything that is left over is sent to the clients of the Tallinn Social Centre who have previously been more than happy to accept any donations.

•Students’ presentations to fellow students about „Recyclable Materials Gathered in Our School – Paper, Bottles, Packaging“. Surveys among 6th-9th grade students „How can I reuse clothing?“

•This year we will also connect the waste reduction theme with fair trade. Our elder students are going to watch video clips to raise awareness of the importance of fair trade.

•Recycling of a willow in handicraft classes
Earlier this year a willow had to be taken down to make room for a new road in Tallinn. This was a controversial decision as the tree was important to a lot of people in Estonia. Because of its importance The Association of Estonian Handicraft Teachers has decided to distribute the parts of the willow between 100 Estonian schools as a way of celebrating our country’s 100th anniversary. As part of the waste reduction week our students are going to craft wooden trivets, lamps and deposit boxes.