At the event to mark World Environment Day, “Tent-Cloak-Sleeping-Bag” project was presented to schoolchildren, teachers, and other visitors by the winners of this year’s EU-CONEXUS contest Think Smart, Create Green by the pupils of Klaipėda Simon Dach Progymnasium. The team created a tent-cloak-sleeping-bag for the contest. The pupils had announced a packaging collection campaign, cleaned and washed greasy packaging. It was used to make the first layer of the invented product; the next layer was made from non-degradable plastic bags and the middle was filled with used cotton fabrics. Such a cloak can be used as a tent to save people, for example, in the event of an earthquake, or as a coat to keep people warm and protect from rain, or as a sleeping bag.
Another team of pupils from Klaipėda Simon Dach Progymnasium presented “Our Future Eco Show” project. The team created a model of the school of the future using recycled materials only. Based on the principles of sustainability and eco-friendliness, the school is designed to function as a closed ecosystem that sustains itself. The ground floor is accommodated with a waste management space, a worm farm for recycling garden waste, a water tank, and an educational space for papermaking. On the second floor there is a clothing swap space, and on the third floor – a lounge area with aquaponic fish tanks, as well as a bicycle parking station with charging cells. A vegetable garden is located next to the school.
The best sustainability ideas were also presented by last year’s contestants. Among them were the first-place winners, again from Klaipėda Simon Dach Progymnasium. They presented “Tiny Green Feet Towards Environmentally Friendly School” project. The schoolchildren presented a convincing and well-thought-out model of an environmentally friendly school. Such a school uses energy-efficient light bulbs. To protect against noise and pollution, the pupils covered the walls with greenery and plants to be watered with collected rainwater. Vegetables are also grown in the school’s garden, which was created by the pupils, and the only way to get to school is by bicycle.
Another “School of the Future” project was presented by the team of Gargždai Krantas Progymnasium. The schoolchildren created a detailed 3D model of their school of the future, taking into account various statistical data in order to improve it as much as possible. Lower electric bills, improved heating and ventilation systems. The school space was transformed based on the principles of sustainability and eco-friendliness. They planned seating areas and vertical gardens for growing vegetables.
During the event, the educators at the Botanical Garden of Klaipėda University invited schoolchildren to an educational session. Those, who wanted to, could make a delmonas – an elaborated decorated purse (pocket) visibly attached to the waist by a band. This unique pursue originated in Lithuania Minor.
A total of 25 companies, institutions, and non-governmental organizations presented their best sustainability ideas and projects at the Green Ideas Festival.
The aim of the event is to introduce environmental innovations, green initiatives and projects to the public and, especially, to young people, and to encourage everyone to contribute to a more sustainable Lithuania.
