Before the project started nobody at Saint Sofia School was aware of how much rubbish we produce or what happens with it. Recycling was something abstract we have only heard of but never done ourselves.

It has all completely changed in two years.

After carrying out a research on what kind of rubbish we produce, with some effort we were able to reduce it and produce nearly no waste but paper.

Children can’t bring any food to school and at the school canteen there is no rubbish because the products are bought in bulk and cooked on the spot. Everybody drinks from water bottles, big tanks or the tap.

We also reduced the paper we waste by using both sides of every paper sheet and making smaller size of copies. Still there was considerable amount of waste paper and although we tried very hard, no company agreed to come regularly to our school and transport the paper for recycling. So we had to solve the problem ourselves – we collect the paper regularly and the school bus drivers transport it to the nearest recycling station. Sometimes the children take it themselves which is good for their environmental awareness.

Many activities during our summer camps are devoted to recycling – children learn how to take care of nature while having fun.

Throughout the project we have held three recycled art exhibitions.

The children are well aware they have to keep the environment clean and have taken part in clean up campaigns which has considerably improved the condition of the river, forest and fields around the school.

We also do many activities to promote separate collection of rubbish and recycling.