Last week, Civic Exchange hosted the KEL Sustainable Consumption Workshop, bringing together educators to explore practical ways to promote sustainability within schools and communities. The workshop began with a visit to Mil Mill, Hong Kong’s first pulp mill and education centre that recycles beverage cartons. Teachers discovered the complexity of carton recycling—each one contains six layers of materials, including paper, plastic, and aluminium. The challenges of recycling in Hong Kong is also highlighted, from limited infrastructure to misconceptions about what can and cannot be recycled.
In the second part of the workshop, Mr. Carlos Rius Errando from Harbour School introduced an engaging Sustainable Seafood Game. Designed to teach students about ocean conservation and sustainability, this interactive fishing game explains which seafood is threatened by overconsumption and how making sustainable choices can protect marine ecosystems. Carlos emphasised that even students far from the ocean can connect with marine biodiversity through fun and educational experiences.
We concluded the workshop with a discussion on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), an initiative by UNESCO. The educators shared thoughtful ideas on how to strengthen sustainability education in Hong Kong. They suggested introducing green procurement practices in schools, encouraging institutions to prioritize eco-friendly products alongside affordability. They also proposed refining judging criteria for the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (School Sector) (previously referred to as “Hong Kong Green School Award”) to focus on small but impactful changes, like reducing waste or improving energy efficiency. Another significant suggestion was to update the Education Bureau’s 12 Values Education framework and 7 Learning Goals to include sustainability, aligning it with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and empowering students to understand their relationship with the planet and the urgency of climate action.
This workshop was a powerful reminder of the essential role educators play in shaping a sustainable future. By equipping teachers with the tools and knowledge to inspire their students, we are one step closer to building a greener, more conscious generation.
Comments