Sustainability as a lifestyle to every classroom!

The main goal of this project was to integrate the theme of sustainability into the daily practice of our kindergarten classes. We aimed to raise teachers’ awareness of the importance of sustainab...

The main goal of this project was to integrate the theme of sustainability into the daily practice of our kindergarten classes. We aimed to raise teachers’ awareness of the importance of sustainability in today’s society, so they could pass this understanding on to the children. In this way, even young pupils can begin to develop a sense of shared responsibility for the world they live in and will shape in the future. To support this, teachers needed knowledge, materials, activities, and good practice examples. The mobilities offered within the project served as an inspiring source of ideas and motivation. At the same time, we wanted to promote sustainability through hands-on experiences, such as growing our own vegetables, potatoes, and herbs to be used in preschool meals. Children learn about sustainability in a practical way and bring that knowledge into their community by discussing it with peers and family. This helps build a more conscious and sustainable mindset both in and outside the classroom.

Through this project, we focused on practical and meaningful sustainability actions. School visits and participation in related activities inspired many initiatives: the creation of a “Green Team” in each school, organizing second-hand markets, tree and seed planting, and developing a school garden and greenhouse at the kindergarten. A Padlet was created to share useful feedback and information. We’ve used this project to improve our preschool's sustainability efforts. We increased vegetable cultivation and the variety of species grown, involving children more actively in planting and maintenance. We set up a sorting station for plastic and paper, and recycling is now part of both kitchen and art activities. Children reuse materials that would otherwise be discarded. We recycle paper for special uses and have installed portable grow boxes for flowers that children cared for during summer. A clothes rack was placed in the staff room to exchange unused clothing. Food waste has decreased significantly, and teachers can now take home leftover food to avoid throwing it away..

This project resulted in many concrete and inspiring outputs. During mobilities in Iceland, Estonia, and Belgium, we participated in nature walks, waste sorting, gardening, school visits, outdoor learning, and sustainability-themed activities. These experiences led to practical implementations back home: planting hazel trees, launching the Friendship Tree project, creating a Green Team, developing a vegetable garden and greenhouse, setting up compost and rainwater systems, feeding birds, and reducing packaging waste. Reusable cups replaced disposable ones, and recycled materials were used in crafts. Children helped grow vegetables, care for animals, and distribute seed paper. A shoe swap box and boot library were introduced, and activities like “Warm Sweater Day” supported climate awareness. The Padlet became a platform for sharing successes and challenges. Teachers agree that this project gave us valuable knowledge and countless ideas. It inspired us to lead by example, involve families, and make sustainability a daily part of preschool life for children, teachers, and the wider community.