A plastic bottle can become a plant pot or a lantern. An old calendar can spark a new STEM idea.
At Newton Goldmark, a member unit of EQuest Education Group, everyday materials become a source of imagination and creative experimentation. Through STEM and Art lessons, as well as experiential learning activities, students are encouraged to develop their own ideas, explore different approaches, and apply what they have learned to give plastic bottles, cardboard, milk cartons, and old calendars a new purpose.
The real value lies beyond the finished products. By exploring possibilities and transforming used materials into something useful, students develop their observation skills, learn to build on their ideas, and find solutions through creativity. They also begin to understand that items that seem to have served their purpose can still be reused in new ways.
These experiences help bring green living into students’ daily routines. They take greater initiative in sorting waste at source, caring for green spaces, and reducing the use of single-use items. According to the school, 80–90% of students now proactively bring their own water bottles and use reusable food containers.
When green living begins with curiosity and the joy of creating, environmental lessons become more relatable, helping students develop responsible habits and make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives.
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🌿 This article is part of “Green In Action”, featuring Green initiatives across EQuest members: Right Mindset – Real Action – Green Living.
