GREEN SCHOOLS PROJECT

The Green School Project is based on the separation of waste, which is the first and most important step of the waste recycling system, and contributes to the improvement of environmental awareness, environmental management and waste management in schools located in Beykoz, Istanbul. First of all, it is aimed that the separation of waste will become a habit by applying it as a group in schools, and they will practice the same habit at home. By enabling students, teachers and parents to work together, it is ensured that the environmental awareness of the society is developed. The main objective of the project is to reduce the waste generated in schools. With this project, waste is collected, reused and temporarily stored in the desired area without harming the environment. One of the main aims of the project is awareness-raising training in the schools in Beykoz. Through the scope of this aim, 64 schools were visited and 21,183 students were trained. Since 2010, approximately 122.000 students have been trained and gained information about recycling. In addition to the recycling side of the project, “Composting machine” is used in schools to produce compost from biodegradable waste. By means of the compost machines provided for each school, the students were allowed to completely compost the biodegradable wastes generated in their schools. At the end of the academic year, the Green School Festival is organized. In this festival, schools that are involved in the project are evaluated. The officials from the Beykoz Municipality make a list that show how much waste is collected, recycled and reused; so at the end of the school semester, the successful schools are awarded. With this festival, also, children can have a chance to have fun and exhibit their projects with waste products. The following outputs have been obtained with the project implemented since 2010: • We collected 67 tons of recyclable waste. • By recycling 40 tons of paper, we prevented approximately 680 trees from being cut down. • By recycling 1.5 tons of waste vegetable oil, we prevented a significant amount of water pollution in our district. • By recycling 1490 kg batteries, we prevented the pollution of approximately 40.000m2 of soil. • By collecting 1.5 tons of electronic waste, we prevented our national wealth from being buried in the ground.