The Caulfield School of Dance community loves our home planet!
Thanks to all our students and their families for helping us with some of the things we do to support Earth:
Disposing of Waste Properly:
By referring to the posted signs, we can see what to put in the Recycling receptacles (in the lobby and the kitchen), what to put in the Green Waste receptacle (in the kitchen), and what must go into the garbage receptacles located in the change rooms, etc.. Sometimes this means walking a few extra steps. Good for us! (Literally!)
Reusable Beverage Containers:
Instead of having beverages like coffee (for grown-ups only, of course!) and water in single-use containers, we encourage everyone to use non-disposable containers like stainless steel water bottles (these labeled with first and last names) and thermoses.
Linen for Hand Towelling:
Scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology published a major study to assess the greenest way of hand drying and concluded that paper towels and warm air hand dryers have the highest environmental toll.
Recycled and virgin paper towels were both found to generate more carbon emissions, create more waste, consume more energy, and use more water, than any other hand drying method. In the US, 2% of total landfill consists of paper towels. While consumers typically perceive recycled paper towels to be better for the environment, the report’s researchers found that the environmental impact of recycled towels equals that of virgin paper towels in a number of environmental measures, including CO2 emissions and water consumption.
MIT’s research looked at the entire life cycle of various competing products from cradle to grave, including materials, manufacture, use, end of life, use of transport, receptacle liners, etc. (Previous scientific studies into hand drying have tended to focus on the spread – and usually increase – of bacteria, amid growing concern about infection control and the impact of superbugs on public health. Last year US paper towel corporation Kimberly Clark presented research which suggested “significant hygiene risks associated with jet air dryers and warm air dryers”, which air hand dryer corporation Dyson, dismissed as false claims.)
Reuse of Costumes:
Wherever possible, we try to reuse costumes. Many costumes are barely worn. Thanks to everyone who donates their gently used costumes to our “Costume Bank“.
Reuse of Dance Shoes:
Thanks to everyone who donates our “Shoe Library” (and thanks to those who replace shoes with care!).
If you have ideas for more we can do to contribute to a sustainable world, please share your thoughts!
Remember to switch off your lights and unplug your electronic devices tonight at 8:30pm in solidarity with global efforts to secure the future of our beautiful home.
Happy Earth Day!