Doing a little bit to change the world

Lauren Holmes, one of the Sixth Form leaders of ECO, the school's environmental action group writes about a new initiative.

Environmental responsibility and sustainability are issues vital to our future. One message which environmentalists are trying to put across is that 'every little bit helps', and although The Grange School cannot save the world, it can do its share.

In September 2009, the school’s ECO team came up with the idea of creating an eco-garden on the school site. With plenty of hard work, support, time and determination the garden was finished by the end of January 2010. Pochins plc were a great help in clearing the area and putting in five sets of raised beds, so now the garden is ready to be put into use!
Our first job is to decide on what to plant and when it needs to be planted; a shed and modern greenhouse will maximise the possibilities. The hope is that by using what we grow in the canteen, and even for Food and Nutrition lessons, the school can become more self sufficient and in the process we can reduce our carbon footprint a little by reducing deliveries.
What is so great about this project is that, it will not only benefit the environment, but will also bring so much to the school itself. With students from all years and many members of staff excited to help, relationships within the school will flourish even further. It will provide an opportunity to learn new skills outside of lessons, make new friends, do a little exercise and learn important values for the future. It should be a fun and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.
Our hope is that by starting this project, it can carry on and grow so that The Grange can do a very little bit to change to world.