EFE3D - A SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT AT EFAM
We are excited to share with you the wonderful strides our school has been making towards becoming a more sustainable and eco-friendly institution. Over the past year, we have embarked on several initiatives that not only educate our students about the importance of environmental conservation but also actively engage them in making a positive impact. This year, EFAM is taking part in the EFE3D project with the AEFE network. This program aims to highlight sustainability practices in French schools abroad by attributing level 1, 2 or 3 certifications (labellisation EFE3D); EFAM is aiming to obtain a level 1 certification for our first year participating in the program.
One of our most remarkable achievements from last year was our school-wide project, where we collected single-use plastic bags and wrappers to create a stunning representation of a sea turtle. This project symbolized our commitment to reducing single-use plastics and protecting sea turtles and other wildlife affected by litter. Building upon this success, we are thrilled to continue our sustainability journey this year with our Tote Bag Sale.
Students will have the opportunity to design tote bags adorned with illustrations of animals, fruits, and vegetables. These tote bags will not only serve as a fundraiser for our school but also as a practical solution to reduce plastic bag consumption. We encourage your children to use these tote bags wherever possible, knowing that each tote bag can replace approximately four plastic bags. We invite you to capture photos of your children with their tote bags to help us track and celebrate the number of plastic bags saved. More information will be shared via email as we get ready to launch this initiative.
Another key aspect of our sustainability efforts is the implementation of compost bins at school. By diverting food waste from landfills and converting it into nutritious soil for our gardens, we aim to instill in our students the importance of reducing waste and nurturing the environment. Additionally, we have continued to ensure that students use refillable water bottles and the water bottle fill stations to reduce the consumption of plastics.
Our commitment to environmental education goes beyond the classroom. We organize field trips to places like the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, Fairchild Botanic Garden, and Jungle Island, where students learn about local wildlife and their role in preserving it. These experiences foster a deep connection to our natural surroundings and inspire responsible actions.
Moreover, we are proud to say that we have been forging valuable partnerships with nonprofit organizations in our community. Last year, our two campuses collected an impressive eight large boxes of canned goods and nonperishable foods for donation to the Belafonte TACOLCY Center in Liberty City, Miami. Our 4th and 5th-grade students played a pivotal role in motivating the entire school community through the creation of flyers and classroom visits.
Lastly, our annual school garden project continues to thrive. It provides students with hands-on experience in planting seeds and nurturing flowers, plants, herbs, and fruits/vegetables. Additionally, several classes participated in the AEFE project featuring the creation of suspended gardens. These projects not only teach valuable life skills but also reinforce the importance of sustainability and the joy of nurturing life.
We are immensely proud of the efforts our students and staff have put into these sustainability initiatives, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. With your support, we can create a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future for our school and our planet.