Paryavaran Mitra Activities Under Each Theme

Paryavaran Mitra action projects were carried out in Andhra Pradesh through a State Level Competition with support of the Department of Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh and Partner NGOs. Schools carried out action projects in the themes. 

Hand Print is a measure of positive environmental action that is directed to decrease the human footprint. The Footprint is the negative effect we leave on global resources. Footprint measures the impact of our everyday actions and the way we live.

Hand Print refers to each individual’s efforts that help to improve the conditions for life on our planet, today and in the future.

Activities under each theme:

  1. Theme: Waste management:

Key Aspects:
Where does the waste come from?
Quantity of waste generated in the school:
Types of  waste generated in school
Handling the waste: removal of waste, composting, recycling

Activities in the schools:
1.Conducting the survey on quantity of  waste generated in school ( Biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste )
2.Segregation of waste
3.Recycling the  non-biodegradable waste
4.Composting the biodegradable waste  and using manure for plants

Schools will be evaluation  as given criteria:
1.Awareness among the children. Segregation of the waste
2.Recycling and selling the non-biodegradable waste.
3.Compost pit, management and using manure for plants.
4.Before and after activity photos.

Do you know?:  
Converting biodegradable waste into manure and using it for the plant can also reduce the Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) emission from Chemical fertilizers? One Kg Urea will releases 0.2 Kgs of Carbon dioxide (GHGs) into the atmosphere.

  1. Theme: Water and Sanitation:
  • 2.1. Part A: Water
    Key Aspects:
    Availability of safe drinking water in the school.
    Availability of required quantity of water in the school.
    Wastage of water by leaking taps.
    Need of conservation practises.

Activities in the schools:

Water Saving

  1. Conduct a survey of leaking water sources in the school( taps, pipes, hand pumps etc). What measures can be taken related to the following aspects.
  2. Make a list of water sources that are dripping and the water being wasted.
  3. You can take the help of Village Panchayat or the Rural Water Supply(RWS) to get them repaired.
  4. Ensure that the taps are closed properly when not in use and when taps are being used, make sure that they are not fully open.
  5. Arrange for paths to direct the wastewater into school gardens or trees.
    Water Conservation: 
  6. Arrange for a water-harvesting pit in the school that takes in wastewater flowing from water sources in school.

Schools will be evaluation  as given criteria

  1. Data related to water sources in the school.
  2. Details of repaired water sources like the taps, pipes with numbers.
  3. Construction of sink pit and its maintenance. Before and after the programme photographs

Did you know?:
The change in pattern of rains is affecting every one in three persons in the world. Everyday 90 litres, out of 100 litres of water supplied to households is being wasted.

2.2. Part B: Sanitation
Key Aspects:
Are there enough number of toilets for the students in school?
Are the toilets in running condition?
Is there enough water at the toilets?
Is everyone using toilets in school?

Activities in the schools:
Conduct a survey in school that collects data about the toilets, lavatories, number of people using lavatories, doors, hinges and any other problem relating to them. Solve the issues with the help of related departments. Take suitable actions at school level.

Schools will be evaluation  as given criteria 

  1. All students should use the toilets and lavatories.
  2. Keeping the surroundings of the toilet clean
  3. Arrangement of water at the toilets.
  4. Awareness about usage of toilets among students.
  5. Availability of toilet cleaning material.
  6. Students should have the habit of washing hands with soap before and after food and also after the toilets. Are such arrangements like sink, bucket, mug, soap in place?
    7.Measures taken for sanitation along with photographs to be attached.

Did you know? 
In India, 70% of the people do not have access to toilets. In India, nearly 5,91,500 children die due to diseases related to poor sanitation like diarrhoea, and pneumonia

Theme 3:  Energy.
Key Aspects:
Utilization of electricity in the school.
Energy conservation measures
Usage of high voltage equipment.

Activities in the schools 

  1. Prepare a list of all electric equipment in the school.
  2. Number of hours such electric equipment is used in school? Also note their energy utilization
  3. What is the electricity bill of the school. Energy check table is given below.
  4. Possibility of usage of energy efficient equipment in school is to be checked. For example, usage of CFL/LED bulbs in place of incandescent bulbs.
  5. Finding ways to minimize the utilization of electricity.
  6. Conducting an energy audit after 2 months. If there is any difference, then please specify the same in the table.

Evaluation criteria :

  1. Awareness about energy conservation among students.
  2. Details of energy audit.
  3. CFL bulbs that are arranged in place of incandescent bulbs.
  4. Any difference in the electricity bills before and after the program
  5. Before and after the activity photographs.

Did you know? 
By replacing an incandescent bulb with a CFL, nearly 328 kgs of coal is reduced in an year. CFL bulbs consume 75% less electricity and last 10 times longer than normal bulb.

Theme 4:  Biodiversity
Key aspects:
Creating greenery within the school premises.
Safe guarding trees.
Types of trees and plants in the premises.

Activities in the schools 

  1. Planting saplings in the school premises and taking their ownership.
  2. Consult the local forest department for saplings.
    a. Choose those varieties that withstand the local weather conditions.
    b. You can also cultivate a medicinal garden with the tree varieties that are suitable for the region ( like amla, tulsi, aloe vera,
    c. Yu can also do organic farming by cultivating tomatoes, chilli, leafy vegetables, curry leaves
    d. Trees that consume more water like eucalyptus are to be avoided.
    e. Trees that give good shade and fruits(neem, tamarind, mango) can be selected.
  3. Consult farmers in the village to plant saplings.
  4. Generally, trees require 3 feet depth and a minimum of 3 metres distance between plants.
  5. Usage of organic manure is suggested. ( Use the manure produced by your school wherever possible)
  6. Water the plants regularly. Direct the water that flows from washing hands to these plants.

Evaluation criteria 

  1. Number of trees and the species planted.
  2. Trees that survived.
  3. Fence for protection of trees
  4. Methods of water and manure supply implemented.
  5. Before and after the program photographs.

Did you know?
Trees have the unique ability to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen with a process called photosynthesis. A fully green tree converts 21.8 kgs of carbon dioxide to oxygen in an year, which is enough for two human beings to survive.

Theme 5 : Culture
Key aspects:
Conduct an awareness program that establishes the link between environmental protection and culture and traditions.
Activities in the schools.
Organizing a rally in the village with 50-100 people of the community.

Few ideas pertaining to the rally:
a. Conduct a rally that tells about celebrating Diwali without burning crackers.
b. Awareness about celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi without harming the environment. Usage of clay idols made with natural colors.
c. Using only natural colors during holi. Saying No to artificial colors.
d. A rally that tells about using organic manure. Minimizing the utilization of artificial chemicals and fertilizers.
e. Organizing a meeting/rally/door to door proceeding about local issues in the village.
f. An awareness program about climate change.

Evaluation criteria:
1.Event that is conducted.
2.Number of community people participated in the event.
3.Impact on the community ( any actions in the community through your programme).
4.Related photographs, newspaper clippings.

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