Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
My School :: My Planet Newsletter for Schools, October 2011 issuee
Citation preview
Embracing Autumn
October 2011 / Issue 1
Dear Schools,
The month of September is almost over, Summer is gone, and the Autumn arrived,
with pumpkins and beautiful colours, with apples and baked corn. Join us and let’s
experience this amazing season together!
And who are we, you may wonder? My Planet and Me is a project created by
Nektarina Non Profit organization, and it aims at raising awareness on the importance of
caring for the environment.
This school year we will be sending you, each month, a newsletter “My School :: My
Planet” , in which we will share information about the environment and nature, about
seasons and climate, about yummy food and cool crafts, and much much more.
We hope that you will find this and upcoming newsletters to be a source of
interesting information about nature and environment, and what can we do to protect it; a
place to look for and to exchange ideas, from recycling, to tree planting, from delicious
recipes to engaging children into activities related to environmental issues.
Who can use this newsletter? Everyone! Teachers in both elementary and secondary
schools, pupils, their parents and families. Share it, forward it, use it.
Some of you might ask why aren’t we doing the printed version of the newsletter.
While we are aware that many people still prefer printed papers and magazines, we are
very much concerned with nature (and trees). We are sending out this newsletter to
schools and organizations in 30 countries – that is a lot of copies, and it would be a lot of
2
paper, if we would print it. So, we decided to share the PDF version instead, you can still
print it if that’s more convenient for you.
Enjoy this first issue, and don’t forget to
send us your feedback and share your
stories, photographs and experiences from
your local schools and communities.
Have a great Autumn everyone!
Our email is [email protected] , drop us a line!
In this issue:
Planting Trees , Helping the Nature
Harvest Time / Autumn produces
Making a yummy Apple Pie
Practical work / Autumn Arts and Crafts
Saving Energy
How vegetarian are you?
World Habitat Day
Watch documentary HOME for free
3
Planting trees
October and November are the perfect time (depending on the climate) to plant
trees: the colder and wetter weather ensures a better survival rate of the seedlings. The
trees experience less stress during the digging and shipping process because they've gone
dormant in preparation for winter and they have plenty of time to become acclimated to
their new environment and the dirt to properly settle around the roots.
You can plant practically any species of tree that
suites the type of soil you have available (for
example oak is a very popular choice). However, if
you want to plant trees with long term benefits you
can go for evergreens or fruit trees. The latter in
particular are a good choice for autumn planting, as
they are a bit more sensitive and require a longer
accommodation period when planted.
Planning a tree planting event can be somewhat complicated in terms of organizing
the land, the seedlings and the tools. That is why a good idea would be to join an existing
event. Many companies have tree planting campaigns during this time so you can try to join
in at a low cost. Forestry Agencies can also be considered, as they will certainly need an
extra hand for the annual autumn planting round.
If you participate in a tree planting this autumn, do send us your photos and we
will add you to our list of green acts for My Planet and Me project. Email us to
4
Harvest time
October brings by the autumn goodies:
fruits and veggies are being prepared as winter
provisions. For example in Romania and other
Balkan countries the traditional “zacusca” is
prepared as a cooked mixture of chopped
vegetables (red peppers, beans, eggplants,
tomatoes, onions, etc) that is kept in sterilized
jars and served as appetizer.
Share with us what are the local produces in season in your country! Email
us your photos, stories and recipes to [email protected]
Autumn time is also a good opportunity for kids to explore the benefits
that we get from our planet and think what we give back. Try to organize a
class debate to imagine what would happen if these benefits would not be
available any more and how can we prevent that from happening. Share the output with us.
How are kids responding to these problems? Drop us a line, our email is
Some countries or regions have vast state owned or private orchards
where they sometimes allow school children to participate in picking fruit.
If this is the case for you then you should definitely try it out: apples,
pears, quinces, grapes and others are available at this time.
5
YUMMY TIME
OK, I picked my apples, now what do I do
with them? Here is a recipe for apple pie
that you can try out together with your
family as a weekend treat – adapted from
Jamie Oliver's original recipe.
Ingredients
For the pastry
250g plain flour, plus extra for dusting , 50g icing sugar, sea salt, 1 lemon, 125g cold
butter, plus extra for greasing, 1 large egg, preferably free-range or organic, a splash of
milk
For the filling
5 apples, 3 tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, a handful of sultanas or raisins,
½ a lemon
To make your pastry
Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4 . From a height, sieve your flour into a large
mixing bowl . Add the sugar, a pinch of salt, and finely grate over the zest of the lemon .
Cut the butter into cubes, then add to the bowl . Use your fingertips to gently work the
butter into the flour and sugar until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs . Crack the egg
into the bowl with a tiny drop of milk and gently mix with your hands until the dough comes
together. Wrap it in clingfilm and pop in the fridge to rest while you make the filling
6
To make your filling
Use a speed peeler to peel all of your apples, then cut the apples into eighths, get rid of
the cores. Add all the apple pieces to a small pan with the sugar, ginger and sultanas or
raisins. Finely grate over the zest of half a lemon, then squeeze in a little juice . Toss to
mix then put the pan on a medium low heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes or until the
apples are just tender . Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely
To make and bake your pie
Dust a clean work surface and rolling pin with flour . Divide your pastry dough into two and
roll out one half until ½cm thick. Carefully roll your pastry around the rolling pin, then
unroll it carefully over a 20cm pie dish . Ease the pastry into the dish, making sure you
push it into all the sides . Don’t worry if it tears or breaks – just patch it up – it will look
nice and rustic . Pack the apple mix tightly into the pie dish. Separate your remaining egg
and beat the yolk with a splash of milk and brush over the pastry rim . Roll out the other
piece of dough until ½cm thick. Carefully roll the pastry around the rolling pin, then unroll
it over the top of the pie . Fold the excess pastry back in then pinch and crimp the edges
together using your finger and thumb. Brush the top of the pie with more egg wash, then
using a small sharp knife, make a couple of small incisions in the centre of the pie to let
steam escape as it cooks. Bake in the hot oven for 40 to 45 minutes until golden and firm
to the touch . Enjoy!
You can find the original recipe here: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/home-
cooking-skills/apple-pie
7
Practical work
During this time lots of materials become
available for making decorations: you can
use leaves, chestnuts, cones, acorns or
even bark, twigs, fruits, feathers and
shells as raw materials for the class art
work. Have a go: organize a trip in the park
to collect such items and take the
opportunity to discuss about different
tree species and their importance for the
carbon balance. Does recycling nature
sound appealing? There are plenty of
things you can make using the materials
you collect in nature, for example... a pencil holder.
Share your ideas with us – our email is [email protected]
October also brings by another type of change: days are getting shorter, it
gets colder, it rains more. What about making a Nature Calendar to track
changes in rain, temperature, wind and compare them with “usual values”.
What about comparing them to the last years? This can be an interesting way to learn
about climate change and find out ways to “help” the nature.
We would like to see your version! You can email us [email protected]
8
SAVING ENERGY
Saving energy helps protect the environment. Try implementing some of these energy
saving tips at your school:
turn off the lights when you leave the classroom
turn off monitors or printers when you leave the lab (or even better the whole
workstation if you are allowed to – check with your teacher first)
suggest to your principal teacher a change to energy efficient light bulbs in your
class. Some companies might be interested in promoting their products this way
free of cost. (*)
do not open the windows when the heating is on
Make the most of it: plan your activities as much as possible during daylight
(including homework writing). Then during the long evenings you can enjoy a low
energy movie night with your friends.
Don't miss out on special days
Every country has its holidays spread across the year. If you celebrate something in
October, plan some environmentally friendly activities for that day. Send us photos and
thus inspire others. Here are a few suggestions:
9
October 1st: World Vegetarian Day
Being a vegetarian is starting to become more than just a trend. Scientific evidence is
proving that this kind of diet is not only more environmentally sustainable, but also
healthier. Discuss with your class the pros and cons of adopting a vegetables based diet.
HOW VEGETARIAN ARE YOU?
Don't know much about what it means being a vegetarian? Take this simple test and find
out:
1. Do you like salads?
a. I love them
10
b. No, why would I want to eat grass?
c. I eat them every now and then
2. What is your idea of a delicious meal?
a. Soy or tofu burgers and salad
b. Steak, fried chicken, pork chops
c. Mac and cheese
3. Can vegetarians eat / drink dairy products?
a. True, it's vegans that don't
b. False, they are from animals
c. Don't know
4. Can vegetarians eat eggs?
a. True again, it's vegans that don't
b. False, it's meat
c. Don't know
5. Could you go 30 days without meat?
a. Of course
b. No, I'd starve
c. Maybe
11
Rate your answers:
Mostly a: You can become, or are already, a vegetarian. Did you know that by adopting this
diet you save about 100 animals a year?
Mostly b: You are not ready yet to become vegetarian. Try adding some green stuff to
your meals every now and then and you will start to feel better.
Mostly c: You eat a balance of vegetables and fruits, as well as meat. You might just like
meat, but if you want to become a vegetarian you certainly have potential.
You can also find it at this address: http://www.gotoquiz.com/could_you_be_a_vegetarian
Find out more: http://www.worldvegetarianday.org/
October 3rd: World Habitat Day
The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October
every year as World Habitat Day. This year’s theme is Cities and
Climate Change
T ake this opportunity to discuss about how climate change is
influencing habitats. Start from recognizing some of the habitats
in your surroundings and think why they are important for the
human habitat.
12
A book and/or a movie: get inspired every month
HOME by Yann Arthus Bertrand (available on
Youtube in different languages and for free) –
a very beautiful and educational film.
Directed by photographer Yann Arthus-
Bertrand and narrated by Glenn Close, HOME
takes you on a visually stunning, spectacular
voyage around the world. It is a unique film
that approaches the current debate about
climate change from a whole new angle, giving viewers the opportunity to see for
themselves how our earth is changing. Going well beyond the scientific reports, charts and
graphs, this film is an inspiration that speaks to our hearts and touches our souls.
If you have seen it tell us how you liked it, did it make you want to change something?
Share your thoughts – our email is [email protected]
INTERESTED IN MORE RESOURCES AND GREAT STORIES?
Subscribe to our Daily Blog http://nektarinadailyblog.tumblr.com/ , it is a great resource
of information and ideas, and a great tool for learning more about the nature and
environment.
Visit also our web page http://www.nektarinanonprofit.comfor more resources and ideas.
13
We invite you to also join our social network pages:
www.myplanetand.me
Facebook.com/nektarinanonprofit
Twitter.com/nektarina
Email: [email protected]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My School :: My Planet newsletter is issued monthly by Nektarina Non Profit. Created by
Elena Livia Minca (content), Ayesha Garret (design) and Sandra Antonovic (editor).
Contact: [email protected]
14
Nektarina Non Profit is an international non-profit organization
dedicated to educating, connecting and inspiring people to care
about their communities and their environment.
We are active in 30+ countries on three continents – Europe,
Central Asia and Northern Africa.
Our approach is highly local, and we consider cultural, religious, ethnic and any other
diversity when carrying out our campaigns. Our activities target general population, but we
tend to give stronger focus to younger demographics.
Our work focuses on education in the following areas:
Citizen engagement and public participation – transparency in decision making
Enhancing collaborative practices and developing public cultural spaces
Human rights; particularly the rights of children and youth, women’s rights, the
rights of minorities and Roma inclusion
Freedom of artistic expression, and usage of art in highlighting current political,
social and environmental issues
Building a common future for environmental sustainability
Enhancing co-operatives and the usage of renewable energy sources
Climate mitigation and climate adaptation, both on a global and local level
Nektarina Non Profit uses on-the-field events like workshops, conferences, forums,
debates, film screenings, indoor and outdoor classes, concerts and fairs to reach its target
groups. Peer-to-peer education is one of the most important methods we use in our work.
Direct share of practices, case studies, knowledge and experience proved to be the most
effective and inspiring way to educate and connect people. With the staff of only four
people, Nektarina Non Profit relies a great deal on the network of volunteers and we work
closely with official volunteer centres in the countries we are active in.
