On February 10th, The Environment Protection Institute (EPI) conducted a training session on teaching methods and environment protection for teachers.
EPI was set up in 1993 and was formerly known as Environment Education Foundation (EEF). EPI’s main objective is "to conserve bio-resources and health of the planet" says Dr K Shivashankar, President of EPI.
Around 67 teachers from Bangalore schools participated in the workshop, at JP Nagar 5th Phase, near AV Education.
Shivashankar said that EPI aims to reach out to schools and teachers. They also conduct inter-school competitions in collaboration with the Rotary Club and hold lectures at schools to spread awareness on conservation. They have planted saplings in Kolar and Marakkanam near Pondicherry.
He later talked about the environment, how we must take responsibility for our actions and protect earth.
Some suggestions he made were:
• Scientific approach in creating dumping sites.
• To keep two waste baskets in the kitchen, one for organic waste and the other for plastic and paper.
• Rainwater harvesting to conserve water.
• Avoid using plastic covers while shopping.
• To reduce, reuse, recycle and refuse.
Pushpalatha, a teacher from Dayananada Sagar International School found the session helpful as she is better informed and can pass on the message to her students in a more effective manner. She says in her school students are encouraged to participate in projects like rainwater harvesting and debates on topics such as ‘Alternative Resources to Conserve Energy’.
Varalakshmi from Rajarajeshwari Vidya Mandir said, "We have an eco club in our school. We also celebrate the annual Vanamahotsava."⊕