Getting Children Involved in Sustainability

Getting Children Involved in Sustainability During the School Day 

As it’s Energy Saving Week, we’ve pulled together some simple and effective ways to involve children in sustainability throughout the school day. Small actions can have a big impact, especially when children are given responsibility and ownership. 

Children love having a role to play – and even more if it comes with a badge or a title! Whether they’re called Eco-Warriors, Green Team, or Planet Protectors, giving children responsibility helps them feel proud of the part they play in caring for the environment. 

Below are some ideas that Classroom Secrets teachers have successfully used in their schools. 

Give Children Responsibility 

Empowering pupils to take responsibility encourages sustainable habits to become part of everyday school life. Simple roles can include: 

• Making sure screens and lights are turned off when not in use, such as during break times, lunch, and assemblies. 

• Having paper recycling bins in every classroom and ensuring waste is sorted correctly. 

• Organising litter picks on the school field or in the local area, which can also link nicely to geography fieldwork. 

Get Outside Support 

There is often support available beyond school that can help bring sustainability to life: 

• Contact your local council to see if they offer school visits or talks about recycling and waste management. 

• Arrange a visit to a local recycling centre – these trips are often far more engaging than expected. 

• Look out for local or national initiatives offering free seeds or plants for schools. 

• Investigate whether unused or excess food can be safely donated to local food banks. 

Involving Families 

Sustainability works best when schools and homes work together. Some simple ways to involve families include: 

• Introducing a battery recycling bin so parents can recycle at school. 

• Running no single-use plastic days, encouraging reusable containers and packaging in lunchboxes. 

• Setting up a walking bus, where children who usually travel by car meet teachers at a local point and walk to school together. 

• Organising a School Swap Shop each term, where every child brings in one toy or item of clothing and chooses something ‘new’. This can be themed, such as a book swap or Christmas jumper swap. 

By giving children responsibility and involving the wider community, sustainability becomes meaningful, manageable, and part of everyday school life. 

Take a look at our Energy Saving Week resources, including a whole school assembly to start the conversation. https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/campaign/energy-saving-week