ISKL Green Space

"I'll See it When I Believe it"

2011-03-07T22:38:00.001+08:00

When I was in graduate school at the University of Minnesota I had a professor of Educational Psychology, Dr. Punchocar, who taught a class full of upperclassmen (and women) and graduate students. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings I would trudge through the bitter Minnesota winter cold and listen to what she had to say. She is one of those teachers that made a difference in the way I perceive the world. One evening she discussed perceptions and the lecture caught my ear and though I don't exactly remember who she was talking about. I do remember her noting something about a public figure (what was his name?) mixing up his words one day, so that, instead of saying "I'll believe it when I see it", he misspoke to say "I'll see it when I believe it". The class that day focused on the power of perception and how the human mind sometimes has a very difficult time seeing things that, otherwise, might be in plain sight.

Time, dreams and jobs have taken me far from Minnesota by now and conversations aimed at understanding educational psychology have developed a more environmental taste, but I've found, since then, that Dr. Punchocar might well have been talking about global issues. Communities steeped in tradition refusing to consider the possibility that there might actually be more appropriate ways of thinking for a changing world. Empires have been based on such thinking. Racism and discrimination are, likewise, born of such circumstance. At ISKL we hope our students will be able to move above that pre-molded thinking and to put themselves into a 'higher' realm of understanding and perception of the world.

I would have to assume that, if given a survey question stating "do you agree that the environment is important?", almost everyone would say yes. Likewise, similar responses would be generated on the importance of nurturing the environment, supporting sustainable practices, etc. When not pressed for personal sacrifice, the environment, and sustainability are oft popular, particularly in these days of increasing concerns over global warming and habitat loss.

But on a personal level, how many of us have actually made the conscious decision to cut down on travel and follow through on it? How many minimize their shower time? Do we actually car pool? How many address the issues that, collectively, Al Gore so purposely named an inconvenient truth? In the end I don't think that it's an issue of what is right. Most of us are keenly aware of the ethical dimensions of the challenges that lay ahead in our history with regard to sustainability. It's not an issue of knowing or not knowing. It doesn't even matter if humanity is involved or responsible for global climate change, really. I would find it difficult to believe that anyone related to our community would, knowingly, continue a lifestyle without at least a purposeful consideration for the ethical dimensions of what he/she is doing to those around him/her. After all, if we ask our multinational organizations, the world's biggest corporations, the globe's governments, for accountability in what they do, and ethical treatment of people and resources, would it be such a far fetched notion for us to reflect on our own behaviors with regard to the natural balance of things and ask that much more of ourselves?

In the end it's a matter of perception. Does the educational program at ISKL offer the opportunities for our students to engage in an understanding of the world that will essentially challenge the fundamental methods by which humanity has functioned for the past couple centuries since the industrial revolution? Do we, as an institution of learning geared at providing a top-notch education that will provide our students with a pool of knowledge and skills to be a successful leader, actually consider the consequences of our own actions, our choices, our decisions? The simple answer is "yes", but on an arguably limited level.

In redefining the ISKL of the present and the future much weight will be placed on where we want our students to go, what we want our students to know, and what they should be able to do. Thinking creatively, communicating effectively, learning enthusiastically, collaborating constructively, reasoning critically and living ethically have everything to do not only with the education of our students, but with the functioning of our entire community and the world we touch (and will continue to affect).

Each day that passes we should challenge our children to be better at creating a better future. We should ask them to communicate effectively with either peers, teachers and families to ensure a sustainable tomorrow. We should require them to collaborate constructively to enable humanity and the environment to continue having a synergistic relationship. We should ask students to chink creatively in finding solutions in the global and local problems we face. We should hope that they learn enthusiastically and recognize the power of their education in making change. We should expect them to live ethically, to put their lives into perspective, and make educated decisions on how, exactly, we can each contribute to sustaining and bettering our natural heritage.

We need to believe it in order to see it.

Going "green" with Mr. Carmichael

2010-08-23T13:20:00.005+08:00

The following discussion is a transcript from an online (as it turns out, getting Mr. Carmichael to have free time around my teaching schedule is a difficult one) interview that I had. with Mr. Carmichael, ISKL's Environmental Coordinator. I am happy to announce that Mr. Carmichael has begun his new role with a good amount of positive energy, spirit and a great deal of enthusiasm. It will be needed as ISKL moves toward being a "green" school. Our community's efforts are solidly founded on the hope that he is a driven, motivated, forward-thinking educator who can also juggle administrative duties, organize activities, model behaviors, set expectations and move our entire microcosm in the right direction. No small order, but so far Mr. Carmichael has impressed even those amongst us who are a little late on joining the "green" bandwagon.

What should people should know about you.

My name is Angus Carmichael. I have been at ISKL for 2 years and before that I worked in Tanzania. One of my favourite ways to spend the weekends is heading outdoors with my family.

Why are you an environmentalist?

Probably the greatest challenges facing humankind at the moment are centered around the changing climate and biosphere. In some small way I hope to make a positive contribution towards improving the situation we find ourselves in.

You have been Environmental Coordinator for close to a month now? What is the best and worst part of the job for you so far.

The diverse responsibilities make the job very exciting; teaching G2s about recycling, writing ESD benchmarks, choosing new cleaning products, scoping out trails for IAS (International Awards Scheme) trips. The hardest part is that there is so much to do and I have to understand I can't tackle everything in the first month.

Do you really expect adolescents to care enough to want to make a difference?

Yes, the initiatives that were set up in the MS last year and presentations to Admin from their students showed a real desire to help us improve things at the school. In HS the new Student Council have the environment as something of a focus this year and their colleagues voted last semester to reduce bus idling times putting the minimizing of pollution ahead of their comfort.

If you look at the new ESD (education for sustainable development) standards, how would you rate ISKL's performance at the moment?

Good, it is a relatively new deal and has only had an outline at each division. However, many teachers have expressed interest with curriculum coordinators, Malaysia Week coordinators and GAP leads all keen to infuse it with what they are doing. As the semester continues time will be spent with departments and teams exploring the possibilities. The 'skill set' worked well with Honours Chemistry students last semester with exceptionally positive feedback and I anticipate the process will find success elsewhere.

Given that we are thinking about moving to a new campus (if and when it happens) which will, almost certainly, mean the displacement of natural habitats in one form or another, what can ISKL do to "live ethically" in the way it handles decisions from here on out?

Certainly the materials used in construction can be as low impact as possible e.g. low C concrete is available. The campus will need to be a working model of best practice where students can get close to Nature on site as well as seeing Green innovations in action.

A thought came to my mind the other day: Since I have been at ISKL animal species that used to be seen on a daily basis (largely kingishers and toads on the lower field) have moved on as we have turned our pitch to Astro Turf and covered up areas where grass used to be. Why is it, I thought to myself, that everything natural has to be pushed aside for human benefit (in this case, making facilities more durable and user-friendly). How about designing and building a campus where biodiversity actually increases? Is it possible to have human development actually promote biodiversity in the same area? Can a school do it?

Yes. A good example is the PREM Centre where students have ready access to countless ecosystems thanks to the woodland, fruit farm and stream that are associated with the campus.

Is environmental ethos just another way to market the school, or does it actually exist at ISKL?

Yes, when parents visit and we tell them about waste from the canteen, read about our tree planting, see the battery bins etc I think it will give us a head-start in attracting students.

How feasible is it to think that ISKL can, at some point in time, have the majority of its energy needs taken care of through sustainable sources? If so, what sources do you envision ISKL using? If it is possible, what would be a reasonable time frame.

One of the most important things to look at before we talk about energy sources is our own efficiency. New campus design will significantly improve this but at the moment we are looking at installing some smart meters and have several students bodies promoting energy saving. More teachers are using desk fans and these changes will make a big difference.

We will be able to make use of solar thermal and some degree of photovoltaic energy but it will almost certainly not be enough to meet our requirements. Again, other systems such as anaerobic digesters in the canteen to fuel gas hobs, small turbines etc can hopefully be included but their presence will primarily be educational rather than for energy production.

You often talk of McKay and his "Sustainable Energy Without the Hot Air" documents online. He indicates that we need to go through major transformations to make a difference. What kind of "major" transformations do you forsee ISKL going through the next few years, realistically?

Several groups are already tackling their paper wastage and this is a great sign that we are thinking of the environment. The biggest impact we have on the environment though is the amount of flying we do. This is a rather contentious issue but there are definitely some areas where the mileage could be trimmed or off-set. HS Athletics has been leading the way on this aspect of our business and I hope others will follow.

Probably the biggest attitudinal change needed is with respect to consumption patterns. Understanding the external costs of a purchase and then thinking carefully how much it is needed. This is the biggest challenge for our community which is comprised of relatively fortunate, privileged individuals.

Say I'm a 6th grader going through your vision of an "ideal" ESD-based education. By the time I graduate, what do I look like? What I have done for the environment? What am I thinking? What levels of understanding, skills, values and dispositions do I have toward the world around me?

Have a read of the presentations and documents on the Green Pages. ESD goes well beyond the traditional 'environmental' focus and will produce a truly well-rounded, international individual. This is well in line with what I believe our mission statement means when it refers to 'highly successful, spirited, socially responsible global citizen'.

Redefining the Way Forward

2010-05-21T09:17:00.002+08:00

I am hopeful that, in looking back to this point in ISKL history sometime in the future, we will be able to say that the academic year 2009-2010 was a defining year for ISKL. Not only was the creation of the Environmental Coordinator position a solid move forward for our school, but also the search of a new campus is underway and, with it, the deliberations behind the scenes with architects and mechanical engineers to ensure that when the move happens it will be done so in a sustainable manner.

In looking forward it seems that this particular moment in time is one of defining our priorities and our outlook. When a new campus is built (it seems only a matter of time now) we will have big shoes to fill. Apart from determinging what facilities we need to ensure that our students will prosper educationally, we also have to focus much more what the campus will mean, how it will function, what it - the facility itself and its purpose - will mean for the education of our future alumni. It is hoped that our new campus will be a shining beacon of sustainability and an example of schools across the world. It will be a functioning example of how we can manage a school and promote sustainable practices all in one.

We are fortunate that in conjunction with the establishment of the Environmental Coordinator position, and the current re-structuring of things "green" at ISKL, we are also happily surfing the wave of eco-consciousness across the globe. Steadily the concepts of sustainability and eco-friendlyness are seeping into our daily life. Students are organizing tree-planting sessions. Student clubs are promoting energy savings and reduction of paper. From here on out it will be important for students at this institution and any other to become knowlegeable, skillful and responsible toward the environment, their behavior in it and their usage of it. From here on out ISKL makes a major impact on the environment simply through its choice to purchase new land and develop it. Certainly any new campus will have a massive impact on the immediate area it is built on. Though we do not know where this land is, one can only assume that, to find a piece of land large enough to sustain our educational needs, there will be an impact on the environment that surrounds it. The fact that we are going to build a campus is an environmentally impactful action in and of itself. From here on out we have a choice to make... do what has always been done, or step out and make a statement, embrace sustainable practices and change the future learning of our students.

I am hopeful that, looking back on this year, we will be able to say that the humble beginnings of the Green Team in 2002 set the stage for greater things to come, and that the year 2009-2010 was a defining year in redefining the education for our students. It was the year that ISKL decided to walk the talk. Great opportunities await along side the great responsibility we have of educating the future leaders of our world. But if there ever was a chance to say we are making a difference, this could be just what we have been waiting for.

HS Health Classes to Address Environmenal & Public Health

2010-02-08T12:01:00.005+08:00

The High School Department of Physical Education & Health is set to make headway into the world of much-needed environmental education. As we recognize the growing connection between environmental issues and human behavior, and realizing that much is yet to be done, the complexity of "green" issues provides a singular opportunity to bringing environmental education into every classroom. Review of the current PE & Health curriculum and an overview of our teaching activities has indicated an opportunity for students to recognize the relationship between human behavior, environmental impact and public health. Of particular importance is the cross examination of students' personal behavior, changing trends regarding regional ecology and changing habitats, and environmental benefits and costs associated with human behavior.

The new unit of Environmental & Public Health will be offered this semester to students of HS health classes (typically taken in the 10th grade) and will include connections to several issues that are already being discussed in our class:

The connection between nutritional choices, global demand and environmental impacts,
The connection between land use and environmental impacts,
The connection between global warming, environmental trends and their threats to human health, d. The appropriate action regarding a more sustainable future.

As with any new focus, the environmental and public health component of the health curriculum is largely experimental and ever-developing in nature. Constant evaluation is a large part of making the curriculum better suited for the needs of our students. But it is hoped that, through the initiation of such a unit, students will understand the connections between personal, public and environmental health and how humanity (and themselves in particular) can make appropriate choices leading to a better future.

ISKL Breaking Ground

2010-01-11T21:20:00.003+08:00

Almost two years ago the Green Team was asked to present the administration with, in the words of Mr. Chmelik, "Bold thoughts". The bold thoughts document that was generated as a result of that initial discussion established the foundation of today's focus on greening out campuses, promoting best practices and establishing ways to limit use and waste or resources. Perhaps the most bold initiative, however, was that of an environmental coorinator.

For years the Green Team has been saying that, if our school wants to really move forward with things "green" it needs to put its wallet where its mouth is, and provide a position based on time (not just a stipended position as has been the case in the past). Two years down the road, several discussions further, presentations and deliberations have now resulted in measurable success: The creation of an Environmental Coordinator position that will move our school solidly and boldly where very few institutions like ours have gone before.

With the selection of an Environmental Coordinator our school has, in many ways, made a committment to the environment and to our community. It has committed itself to establishing ISKL as a premier "green" institution. It is taking a risk in doing so, and breaking ground where, for many schools, such initiatives are but small shows of support to a growing list of environmental issues that affect us all.

ISKL moves forward with the creation of this position, and the choice of Gus Carmichael to fill it, knowing that it is breaking new ground in international education and creating a prototype in how schools might soon operate all over the globe. We certainly hope that this foresight shown by our administration and board, and supported by our community, will benefit the environment for future generations of ISKL graduates.

Student-Initiated Action for the Environment: Just the Beginning

2009-11-11T12:28:00.003+08:00

For several years now the efforts of our Green Team and ISKL environmental pioneers have been geared toward setting up frameworks of operations such as recycling, paper usage, electricity auditing and financial support. The concept of student involvement, empowerment and stewardship, however, was an elusive goal whose day, it seems, may have finally arrived. Students were, of course, exposed to environmental issues in a series of courses, but actual hands-on opportunities were limited. The issue was not so much establishing opportunities for students to participate in hands-on environmental initiatives - such as Malaysia Week or after-school clubs - but creating a structure that would allow students to recognize their own political and social power and become involved in environmental stewardship opportunities of their own accord.

This year's High School Earth Club has stepped forward in this regard. Their initiatives, largely due to the efforts of their leadership (headed by Kegan Chang, Earth Club president) are starting to make an impact. Their first two initiatives involve taking over the organization, planning and logistical framework of the Community Recycling Program at Ampang and the creation of a student-led composting program on campus. The participation in these efforts has been limited largely to those in the Earth Club, but certainly this development heralds a new age for student-initiated environmental action!

We hope that these initiatives will mark just the beginning of a new sense of empowerment and environmental engagement. For the time being, there is much to be done. If you care to support the HS Earth Club in these efforts, ask away, participate in recycling and/or composting, and celebrate the changes being made by our student leaders (elected or otherwise).

The Benefits of Environmental Education

2009-10-17T23:33:00.005+08:00

Often we get caught up in the "academic" or "core" subjects as the impetus for good education. Certainly these are very important components to a solid education. But in an online course I am taking on Environmental Education, the reasons for implementing an environmental component into education seem to be powerful, particlarly as we march forward to a future with global warming and increased scarcity of biodiversity and resources. In a recent assignment we were asked to compile a "Top Ten" reasons for implementing an environmentally based education program at schools. Here's what I came up with:

Allows for a practical application of educational concepts across all disciplines and divisions.
Provides opportunities for positive collaboration (both for teachers and students)
Gives students a chance to participate in integrated, cross-curricular education.
Provides a whole-school sense of purpose.
Establishes a framework for whole-school expectation of learning.
Gives students a chance for direct action research and learning.
Provides students with skills and knowledge to become global citizens.
Allows students to apply skills in problem-solving.
Increases leadership opportunities for students.
Applies to all real-life and authentic settings, preparing students for whatever future they choose to follow.

Reducing Paper Wastage in the Office

2009-10-01T12:35:00.004+08:00

The following article is reprinted (in a slightly adapted form) from the Malaysian Nature Society's (Selangor branch) Pencinta Alam newsletter (October 2009 issue).

FACTS ABOUT PAPER USE AND WASTAGE:

1. The average office worker uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper each year.

2. Over 40% of wood pulp produced in the world goes towards the production of paper.

3. The costs of using paper (i.e. printing, copying, faxing) can run 13-31 times the cost of purchasing the paper in the first place!

4. It takes more than 1 ½ cups of water to produce 1 sheet of paper (Picture a typical soft drink can).

5. Reducing paper use reduces greenhouse gases. 40 reams of paper is equivalent to 1.5 acres of pine forest absorbing carbon dioxide for one year!

6. Even with recycling efforts, paper makes up approximately 25% of the waste we throw away. We are still throwing away a lot of resources!

WAYS TO REDUCE PAPER WASTAGE:
1. Always make double-sided copies.

2. Set computer defaults to print double-sided.

3. Reuse paper printed only on one side in the fax machine, for draft copies and for internal documents.

4. Preview documents before printing. Use the print preview to spot formatting errors and blank pages.

5. Proofread first and use the grammar & spell-check to avoid errors that will cause documents to be reprinted.

6. Determine the number of copies you need for a meeting, and don't make extras.

7. Print or photocopy only the pages you need, and only the number of copies you need. There is no need to make extra copies for standby. If it is in the disk, it can be reprinted as and only when needed.

8. Save a copy of important documents into your hard disk or e-mail folders. Create folders to keep every thing organised and retrievable. Fix a date every month to review the folders and delete documents you no longer need.

9. Saving documents on soft copy may even make your life easier! You can just copy and paste from documents, than refer to the printed copy and type everything from scratch again.

10. However: Don’t be a pack rat and save everything to disk, especially when the information is readily available elsewhere! Keep your inbox and hard disk tidy and organised. This will save memory/disk space and prevent the need to purchase additional disk storage or thumb drives.

11. Examine the reports and documents you print regularly to see if people still need them. Many times, they are created for someone who has left or who does not need it anymore.

12. Remove printers from desks and move them to a central location where one printer will suffice for many people. This will reduce wasteful printing as people will decide it is too much hassle to print unnecessary and personal items.

13. Have an inter-departmental competition to see which department can save on copies printed over a certain period of time!

14. Impose a fine on those found to be wasting paper, (e.g. crumpling up once-used paper and tossing it into their wastepaper basket when they should be putting it back into the printer tray for drafts. Even crumpled paper can be reused as memo pads.

15. Give members/subscribers/customers/clients the option of going paperless and of receiving newsletters, correspondence, catalogues and other documents via email. Of course, this is not possible where there are legal issues, e.g. acceptance of contract, admission of liability etc, so in those instances, resize and reformat before printing and print on both sides if you can. If a hard copy is going to be sent to you, then don’t print out the email.

16. Unplug the fax machine and request that the sending party email instead. That way, you have more control over whether something should be printed, and you can re-size and reformat it before printing. This will also eliminate junk mail by fax. At least try to unplug the fax machine after official office hours.

17. Keep copiers and printers in good repair and make it policy to only buy copiers and printers that make reliable double-sided copies. Let your copier maintenance person know when a copier is performing poorly (toner is low, jams frequently, etc.). Regular copier maintenance is important, especially if the toner is low. Copiers are often used until all the toner is gone and that wears down machines. A copier that works well is less likely to jam and this helps save paper.

Home Composting Taking Off

2009-09-24T12:39:00.003+08:00

The following is reprinted from an informational email sent out by James Housgo, our in-house community organizer for the home-based composting program. I am sure you will find it interesting. Please consider taking part!

Hey ISKL! These are the numbers on composting so far:

12 - bins of waste we have composted so far this year
360 - kilos of ISKL organic waste composting right now on Ivan's organic farm
27 - ISKL families that have a compost bin RIGHT NOW
950+ - ISKL families who COULD be composting (read below if you want to start composting)

The second drop off/pick up for the compost bins will be on Thursday, October 1st.

• Ivan (the director of City of Hope, the organization we work with) will pick up your full compost bin from where the motorcycle parking spaces in the back parking lot meet the awkward and steep ramp up to the Blue Top; the ramp on the art-room-side of the Blue Top.

• When you drop off your bin, please bring RM10 to James Housego (MS music) and he will pass it to Ivan (you can also put the RM in James' mail box in the main faculty lunch room).
• Pick up your new empty bin and your bag of composted soil at the end of the day from the MS music room - how's that for instant gratification? :-)
• If you would like a second bin, so that you never run out of space, there are more bins in the MS music room (deposit RM40 is required)

THIS IS WHY YOU WANT TO COMPOST:

The background on Ivan - our compost contact:

Ivan grew up in the jungle and learned sustainable environmental practices during his upbringing. He is knowledgeable about the processes of composting, farming, and restoring ecosystems to a point where they are totally sustainable (bugs, plants, the whole sha-bang). Now Ivan runs an organic farm in PJ where he trains people with physical disabilities to produce sustainable ecosystems, composting etc. THEN the trainees are sent to orphanages or other non-profit organization where there is a plot of land that has been let go to waste. His trainees regenerate the earth around the orphanage and train the staff there how to compost and keep their ecosystem sustainable. Ivan also works with schools, government agencies or anyone else who just wants to learn how to do what he does; he is currently consulting with the HS Earth Club. Composting at home reduces your waste, reduces smelly odors in your trash bin, and helps to support Ivan and his progressive program for the regeneration and sustainability of Malaysian gardens and non-profit lands.

Do you have questions on how it all works? Ask these people who are already composting:

HS Earth Club * Laurence Myers * Julie James * Jeffrey Samson * Lisa Mangelsdorf * Joan O'Donnell * Brian Foudy * Mark Walsh * Kenny Peavy * Angus Carmichael * Jay Peters * Pamela Smith * Richard Petersen * Malia Bodhaine * Rob Whiting * Ann Whiting * Kendra Gonnerman * Billy Thomas * Jaime Thomas * Linda See * Alex Smith * Lynne Smith * Sinbald Cheng * Adria Rosendale * Doug Woodward * Diana Greer

GET YOUR NAME ON NEXT MONTH'S LIST BY COMPOSTING NOW.

Welcome Back... Home Composting and more.

2009-08-17T13:30:00.006+08:00

By now the routine should have started settling in. Students are finding it harder to wake up in the morning. Teachers are madly rushing about trying to make sure that their lesson plans are set and ready to engage in education. Administrators are roaming the halls ensuring a high quality education is being offered. Parents are busy making sure their little ones are up and running for another academic year of vigor and rigor.

The search is on, as I write this, for a new Green Team Coordinator who will engage our community in introspection, reflection and action of the "green" sort. In the process, things are happening...

A growing number of teachers and administrators are taking on a new environmental task this year: Home composting. Working in conjunction with "City of Hope" (Bandar Harapan) based in Subang, these people have promised to store their vegetable and fruit left-overs in blue 35 lt bins (provided for a deposit of RM 40) which, once filled, will be exchanged for a new empty bin, and the process will continue. City of Hope, in turn, takes all the left over flora and adds it to their compost heap with which they provide much-needed nutrients to their organic garden, run by a small force of volunteers. At ISKL Mr. James Housego (MS Music) has taken on the task of being coordinator of this program. Any families want to join in? Just talk to James.

And so, as the search continues for the new Green Team coordinator (we will keep you posted on that one) we hope that your travels were good and that you are looking forward to a happy new "green" academic year!

Annual Report for Environmental Literacy

2009-05-27T08:32:00.000+08:00

This Annual Report is generated by the ISKL Green Team as a reflection on the year as it pertains to environmental education and literacy. It is presented to the Director of the School and Administrative Council as a component of the on-going evaluation of environmental and sustainable practices.

The format follows that of the document “Bold Thoughts: Toward an Environmental Ethos at ISKL”, presented in May, 2008 to the Administrative Council as a blueprint for future direction.

Written Documentation

· Green Team recommendation to take part in the Green Schools Alliance Climate Commitment as a “Climate Steward” (committing to a reduction in carbon emissions over the next five years). (www.greenschoolsalliance.org)

· Director’s explicit statements regarding environmental practices in school-wide communication.

· Creation of Green Space blog at http://sustainableiskl.blogspot.com which was linked to the ISKL website.

· New ISKL vision statement introduced which explicitly includes the “environment”.

· New ISKL SLR introduced involving “living ethically”.

Curriculum

· Student-based projects have taken place this year involving:

o Reduction in water bottle usage

o Reuse of plastic containers at Connie’s

o Thermostats set to 22 degrees Celsius

o Composting pilot program

· Global Issues club and classes participated in Earth Week Eco Expo and Orangutan Rock.

· Earth Week 2009 included 12 outside organizations visiting ISKL, two visitng speakers, community events and Orangutan Rock events that generated funding of over RM 25,000 for Orangutan Appeal UK.

· Introduction of Global Issues Courses at the MS level.

· Plans to establish a Global Issues course requirement for students starting in 2009-2010.

· Proposal (pending) to introduce a Sustainable Future course at the HS, proposed to begin in 2010-2011.

· Introduction of HS Geography course which includes issues of environmental sustainability.

· Increase in experiential learning opportunities for 7^th grade science curriculum.

o Forest Research Institute of Malaysia

· Grade 1 initiated two new units:

o “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” with culminating Earth Week assembly.

o “Field to table” focusing on environmental impact of food choices.

· Tree-Planting stewardship program initiated with Global Environment Centre with an optional participation of ISKL students in two tree-planting expeditions, totalling over 100 trees.

· Introduction of environmental components to the newly established Global Action Program at the HS. Environmentally-oriented trip options include:

o Bali: Adventure and Art on the Island of the Gods

o Laos: Jewels of the Mekong

o Thailand: Reefs to Rainforests

o Thailand Eco-village Sustainable Living Adventure

o MESCOT reforestation program in Borneo.

ISKL as a “living, carbon-neutral campus”

· Using The Carbon Neutral Company website (www.carbonneutral.com) a baseline carbon assessment of ISKL was made. Results indicate that operations at ISKL have resulted in the following carbon emissions:

o Premises Total: 1,788.48 tCO₂

o Company vehicles total: 30.19 tCO₂

o Business Travel total: 46.33 tCO₂

o TOTAL: 2,063.47 tCO₂

· ISKL has hired a new gardening/landscaping contractor

· ISKL has hired a new cleaning company, using more non-toxic, environmentally appropriate cleaning products.

· Development of monthly reports and displays relating to energy usage and photocopying.

· Energy audit by outside consultant to determine ways to reduce energy use.

· Set up of in-class thermostats is all classrooms.

· Technology Department plans to re-use computers that will be replaced across the school. Recipients have not yet been identified.

· Using the Energy Star website (www.energystar.gov) we developed a baseline assessment of energy use at ISKL Ampang campus. Results indicate that ISKL Ampang campus has reduced annual energy use by 1.1 % in the period going back 12 months from April 2009 in comparison to the previous 12 months.

· Discussions regarding ensuring the use of environmental best-practices in determining what/where/how to build a new campus.

Financial Support

· The Green Team has generated funding from PTA Grants for the development of a composting system at ISKL

o RM 5400 has been established for the purchase of chippers and composting bins.

· The Green team Grant Program provides funding (up to RM 1,000) to school groups who need funding for on-going, self-sustaining, environmentally-appropriate programs or activities.

· Conversations have been broad for the development of a full-time Environmental Coordinator at ISKL.

· Environmental Coordinator Position job description has been created (currently in draft form) and presented to the Administrative Council and SILC Board Committee.

· Funding has been ear-marked for an environmental coordinator to begin in 2010-2011

Behaviors & Practices

· Online survey completed by staff members regarding their perceptions of environmental needs at ISKL.

· Draft of “Looking Forward” plan developed for consideration in 2009-2010.

· Administrative decisions include the elimination of commercial water bottles and the provision of healthier food service options.

· Positive steps forward have been made in terms of economic benefits of environmentally-appropriate practices.

· Established environmental component to be part of ISKL’s overall annual report to the community.

· Further measures need to be established.

· Establishment of water stations in both Ampang and Melawati campuses in lieu of commercial water bottle use.

· Posting of energy usage advertised around school.

· Establishment of the Green Team Environmental Ethos Award, given annually (only if appropriate) to deserving students in the MS and HS.

· Discussions regarding financial incentives to participate in environmentally-appropriate behaviors.

Orangutan Rock

2009-04-27T08:35:00.004+08:00

The now traditional Rockin' for the Environment took place on Saturday, this time in support of Urangutan Appeal UK, an organization that provides funding and support for the Sepilok Urangutan Sanctuary in Sabah, Borneo. For those who have had the chance to visit, this sanctuary provides an opportunity for our Malaysian apes to be rehabilitated and - hopefully - returned to a wild that is becoming smaller by the day. Urangutan Rock, organized by Lois Powell, Steve Northcott and Kenny Peavy, and supported by hundreds of adults and students alike, was another big success. Apart from generating necessary funds (RM 20,922 and counting) the event was able to bring together many stduent groups and visiting organizations and fun opportunities for our younger members of the community as well. This, of course, was in addition to the many musical groups (student, visitors and adults) who were the highlight of the event!

For the record, each year a specific organization is chosen to be the recipient of the Rockin' for the Environment fundraising. Starting small two years ago, the first Rockin' for the Environment, then named Turtle Rock, generated funds for SEATRU, a turtle research and conservation program based in Terengannu. Last year's recipient was MYCAT, a consortium of several NGOs dealing with the conservation of the Malayan tiger. Next year, who knows?

Eco Expo 2009 - A Wealth of Resources

2009-04-26T12:44:00.015+08:00

Eco Expo 2009 was a smashing success! All told ten student groups, companies and non-government organizations were represented, bringing a wealth of knowledge and resources to ISKL's Ampang campus. Whether visitors were browsing reusable shopping bags, sustainable diapers, the large variety of orang asli wares, adopting trees or turtles, purchasing photos of Borneo or discussing home composting and water assessment options, the event allowed our community a chance to take a closer look at sustainable initiatives and lifestyle choices. Thank you to all the groups and organizations who participated!

The MS Global Issues Club invested much time in promoting reusable water bottles on campus and generating a signature drive regarding water bottle use on campus.

Bandar Harapan Organic Farm offers composting solutions for homes and (maybe) ISKL! Home-based composting bins are available for a small deposit.

Tetra Pak has been a regular participant at Eco Expo for three years now. Creating a playful display that allows students to participate and win recycled Tetra Pak prizes, this company has a highly recognized environmental ethic.

Gerai Orang Asli sells traditional crafts made by Orang Asli communities in Malaysia. Each item sold is identified by its creator and 100% of the proceeds go directly back to the artist.

Wild Asia promotes environmental education and the re-establishment of natural corridors where palm plantations have made a negative impact on local ecology. They also provide adoption of trees.

The WWF is widely known around the world. At ISKL's Eco Expo they were promoting their turtle initiative in Malaysia.

Noah of Jungle Voices has a wide array of high-quality photos of Borneo. Proceeds from the purchase of the photos go towards sustainable practices in East Malaysia.

Global Environment Centre promotes sustainable use of water, conducts water assessments for businesses. The Green Team hopes to establish a partnership with them allowing ISKL's carbon emissions to be partly offset by their tree-planting programs!

From cloth diapers to reusable bags and pencils made of recycled newspaper, Tiny Tapir is a small but veritable sustainable shopping paradise in KL!

TrEES has been integral in the creation of the Selangor State Park and also is ISKL's long-time recycling partner.

Earth Week Waterfall Hike

2009-04-23T11:15:00.005+08:00

This past Sunday, April 19th, Charlye Woolman, Cecile Woolman and Lisa Nazim marched a group of ISKL community members up the back end of Zoo Negara toward a waterfall. The group of 43 people, largely comprised of Melawati students and their parents, was able to hike into the woods, cool off at the waterfall itself, and hike back out. All in all the hike was a huge success! A special thank you to those organizing, of course, but also to everyone who participated in this fun and nature-based activity!

Research has shown that such forays into nature are crucial in developing an appreciation for and an understanding of nature in youth. Evidence suggests that the earlier the chance to partake in nature-based activities the better one's sense of connection to the natural world as an adult. It is wonderful to see so many people hiking with Charlye, Cecile and Lisa (and her husband Jimmy!).

For pictures of the hike, please copy and paste the link below to your web browser:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lisanazim63/WaterfallHike?pli=1&gsessionid=DI9M4qK3BUOLaPxU_x5fQw#

Earth Week Community Recycling

2009-04-23T11:05:00.003+08:00

Earth Week began with the customary Community Recycling Drop Off. This week's recyclables included the following:

Newspaper: 167 kg
Mixed Paper: 188 kg
Cardboard: 185 kg
Aluminum Cans: 36 kg
Steel/Tin Cans: 38 kg
Tetra Pak: 43 kg
Plastic: 112 kg
TOTAL: 769 kg

A big thank you to all those volunteering and organizing, including: Ronnie Wynne, Jill Maloney & Richard Laurence (who shared as leads), Lisa Nazim, Betsy & Paul Chmelik, Lois & Rachel Powell, as well as the Girl Scout and Daisy Scout troops. They really had a recycling workout!

Of course, a big thank you also to all those who donated their recyclable materials from home!

Eco Expo (Friday) and Orangutan Rock (Saturday)... back and better than ever!

2009-04-20T16:06:00.007+08:00

Another fun and exciting Eco Expo promises to grace our Ampang campus this coming Friday, April 24th from 10 am to 1:30 pm. As part of the Earth Week festivities we are happy to announce that we have a number of visiting organizations ranging from composting to tree-planting to sustainable children's wear. It promises to be a great opportunity for parents, students, staff and faculty alike. Come support WWF or the Orang Asli artisans, ask questions about organic farming, check out the exhibits on energy use at ISKL or non-toxic cleaning agents. It's worth a visit even if you decide to leave with nothing but information.

But it gets better than that! Orangutan Rock is on Saturday, April 25th. This must-see event has been hugely successful in the past and this year promises to bring many of our community - young and old - to the Ampang campus in support of Orangutan Appeal UK. If, for some reason, you are unable to get to the Eco Expo on Friday, many of the booths will remain up on Saturday as well, so come on over! Better yet, come to both!!

Earth Week Tree-Planting: 95 tons of carbon offsets!

2009-04-20T12:21:00.004+08:00

Saturday, April 18th was a normal sunny morning. Six ISKL students pulled themselves out of bed and got to school early to do their part in a grander tree-planting scheme organized by the Global Environment Centre. Naomi, Chris, Andy, Sofia, Mavendra and the veteran tree-planter Angelica took the 75 kilometer trip to the Raya Musa Peat Forrest Reserve where they would participate in the second tree-planting even that ISKL has taken part in. The students survived two and half grueling hours under the sun and jumped over irrigation canals, helping each other stay out of pitfalls and mud traps.

All told, the six students planted 95 trees. With each surviving tree estimated to offset close to one ton of carbon over its lifetime it seems evident that ISKL student have made a great start to Earth Week! Judging from the collective enthusiasm after we returned to Ampang all coated in mud, with smiles all around and statements of "it was awesome" and "I'm going to bring all my friends along next time" it would seem that we're off to a good start!

The Value of Earth Week

2009-04-15T09:04:00.005+08:00

Every year it happens. April comes about and people chat briefly about conservation of resources and saving the planet. Perhaps they plant a tree for Arbor Day. Perhaps they turn off a light for a while. Others try to walk to school once or twice. Others think about greening but never quite get to it, just like those ever elusive new years resolutions. Others manage to make a small yet significant change to their lifestyle choices. They buy local produce, perhaps, or purchase a reusable water bottle. They decide to recycle at home or purchase a fuel efficient vehicle.

Earth Week plays an important educational role in our school's culture. By now Earth Week is a known entity. It is a time that affords introspection for administration, staff, faculty, students and parents alike. If it is not, it should be. If it is, then the introspection allows for personal and informal assessment of what is important in the manner by which we, as human visitors to the Earth, live our lives.

On campus Earth Week is a celebration of applying what we know to what we do. It provides us with opportunities to go out to nature (appreciation) or plant trees (stewardship). It gives us the chance to turn our waste into a new generation of products (recycling) instead of going to the landfill. It gives us a chance to do our little bit to make a big difference.

But really Earth Week should provide us with a small glimpse of how we should be living on a daily basis. If you don't keep your energy use in check, then perhaps you should. If you don't keep your water use in check, perhaps you should. If you don't car pool, perhaps you should. We can all do better with what we have. At ISKL we try to reach all our students in making them environmentally-friendly citizens of the world. It is no longer a privilege to be so. As the information regarding human impact on the environment mounts it becomes increasingly obvious that we, as members of planet Earth, can no longer hide behind our collective fingers. Regardless of whether or not you personally believe in the human impact on global climate change it should be a no-brainer to recognize that environmentally-appropriate behaviors make smarter choices in the long run.

So, when Earth Week comes to pass on April 25th (Orangutan Rock - come visit!) we hope that the entire community will take the discussions had, the chats and the small improvements, and make them part of our lifestyle. If Earth Week can become a daily routine rather than merely a week-long celebration it would certainly be a sign that we have come of age as a community. The true success would be the realization that we no longer need such a week in the first place. But, for now, and as our collective environmental consciousness creeps just a little higher, happy Earth Week everyone!

Earth Week 2009 Schedule Released

2009-04-13T14:56:00.008+08:00

After a good deal of planning and logistical deliberations we are happy to announce the schedule for Earth Week 2009. You can get a better look at the schedule by just clicking on the image of the schedule above. Feel free to participate at any extent that you can. Happy Earth Week everyone!

ISKL Supports Earth Hour

2009-03-24T12:29:00.011+08:00

This year ISKL will be joining the millions around the world in a show of solidarity to our environment. Started in Sydney, Australia two years ago, Earth Hour has become an international hit, with households, governments, corporations, academic institutions worldwide joining together to turn off their lights for one hour - 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm - on March 28th. Won't you join ISKL, KLCC, Putrajaya, KL Sentral and so many others around Malaysia?

For further information, and to pledge support, please visit http://www.earthhour.org.my/

Cars Everywhere!

2009-03-11T13:17:00.004+08:00

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to recognize that, in pure environmental terms, walking or biking are preferable to public transport and that, in turn, public/mass transport is preferable to personal motorized transport. For years scientists and public officials have been identifying the need for public transport methods that allow movement while limiting personal vehicles.

According to the Ampang busing office, ISKL uses 35 buses to transport our sons and daughters to and from school. These buses take turns coming and going, once in the morning and three times in the afternoon (3:00, 4:30 and 6:00 pm). The assessment of the bussing carbon generation is another story altogether (still in the works), but trying to put a finger on our passenger car numbers is trickier still.

A mosey down to the Ampang front parking lot on Tuesday, March 10th from 7:20 am to 8:05 am identified 197 cars dropping off children to start off the day. 197 cars driving from their homes to bring a student or students to school, and then moving on. Presumably a similar number would fill our parking lot in the afternoon as well. If one was to add the 125 cars that were parked in the front and rear parking lots on that same morning, staff members diligently working on campus, the 322 total cars is somewhat staggering! And that doesn't even consider Melawati. Gulp.

Which got me to thinking... If one was to calculate the mileage of said cars on this particular Tuesday morning we might come up with the following results:

Assuming that each car travels 2.5 kilometers each way to/from school, then this morning ISKL families and staff members would have traveled a cumulative of 1,610 kilometers. Longer commutes would, obviously, increase that result. But let's say, for the sake of argument, that we all lived just 2.5 kilometers away from school. Those same cars would, over the course of 180 school days, have traveled a cumulative total of 289,800 kilometers, and that's just in the morning run! A similar return trip in the afternoon would, of course, double that to 579,600 kilometers.

According to www.climatecrisis.net this mileage would generate roughly 3,550 tons of carbon. Now that might not say much to you, and will probably vary depending on your source, but the general consensus is that it takes about 5 or 6 trees (or more) the duration of their lifetime to offset one ton of carbon.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to recognize that just driving our cars to school to drop our sons and daughters (or ourselves) adds up. Suppose that we all somehow became so aware and concerned that we wanted to offset that carbon. We would have to plant 17,750 trees in order to do that. That's 55 trees for each car that drove up that morning.

So what is one to do? Well, here are some thoughts:

Walk, bike or car pool to/from school
Sign your son or daughter up to take the bus
Plant trees, plants, bushes, grass, flowers!
If you can't plant trees yourself, consider donating some money to organizations that do (www.plantabillion.org or www.wildasia.net are two options you might consider)
Become carbon literate about your lifestyle (a good starting point is: http://www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/carboncalculator/)

I'm already pumping up my bike tires!

Community Recycling Continues Strong in February

2009-02-19T11:48:00.006+08:00

It was a beautiful Saturday Valentine's morning when the volunteers showed up. Flanked by an exuberant lot of Girls Scouts from Melawati who happily stomped on cans and sorted paper, and supported by four high school students, the adult volunteers were highly encouraged by the level of volunteerism and stewardship at ISKL. To top it off, members of TrEES were there asking members of our recycling community to make a pledge to do something to help the environment. Overall it was a fun-filled and positive day! The numbers too, were equally as encouraging, as the Community Recycling program continues where it left off in January:

Newspaper: 209 kg
Mixed Paper: 213.5 kg
Cardboard: 223 kg
Aluminum: 24 kg
Tin/Metal: 60 kg
Tetra Pak: 30 kg
Plastic: 90 kg
TOTAL: 854.5 kg

Thank you to everyone for helping out! We look forward to meeting new recycling families (and seeing the old friends) next month on March 14th. See you there!

Carbon Offsetting at ISKL... Baby steps

2009-02-17T14:22:00.006+08:00

What does a school (that hires overseas professional staff, participates in international educational, sporting and cultural events, provides spring break trips all over the world, builds houses for the poor around Asia, provides professional opportunities for its staff) and global warming have in common? Carbon emissions!

Carbon emissions is what happens when we do most anything requiring the use of industrial production or services. When we get in a car or a plane, we participate in the carbon production of the said transport vehicle. When we go to visit the nearest park, we emit carbon. When we recruit the world's best teachers, we generate carbon usage. Certainly there is a heavy environmental cost to being a world-class school. It seems that the higher the expectations (e.g. more computers, better facilities and equipment) the more the environment has to 'deal with' our increased wants for a better-educated student body.

Yet, when our school's visionary strategic planning group determined our school's new Student Learning Results and vision statement, they had the foresight to include the environment, explicitly. This in and of itself is a huge step for ISKL's environmental efforts. For years the Green Team has been asking our administration to acknowledge environmental impact of our actions as individuals and as a whole. Fortunately the group that congregated to create our new vision also recognized that in building the leaders of tomorrow there is increasing pressure to also deal with the ethical responsibility we should all internalize.

So, with the increase of international opportunities we need to take a closer look at our carbon footprint as a school. In doing so we have already begun to take small steps toward making our impact a little smaller, not in reducing our international travel, but at least by being willing to work with tree-planting stewardship opportunities.

Case in point: On February 7th three ISKL high school students and Mr. Hodges participated in a peat-swamp tree planing event organized jointly by Plant a Tree Today (PATT), The Eco Warriors and the Global Environment Centre. What began with a small foray into the wilderness around KL, we hope will expand to include many more of our members. In similar manner, a new program that will be included in the World Class program (until it gets a different name), is an environmental trip to Sabah to assist with tree-planting activities with an organization called MESCOT.

These are small steps toward moving in an appropriate direction. As the world's governments move toward green tax benefits, cap-and-trade policies, carbon taxation and carbon sequestration projects, ISKL too is moving slowly, but surely, in the right direction, one tree at a time. We began with the 70 or so trees that three students and a teacher planted on a Saturday morning, but our sights are set on a higher positive impact.

If you want more information on carbon offsetting programs for international travel, please feel free to visit www.carbonneutral.com or www.terrapass.com

Landscaping or a Living Campus? Perhaps the best of both worlds.

2009-01-23T11:19:00.009+08:00

The following thoughts are those of Laurence Myers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of either our school's population or that of the Green Team. They are shared in order to generate consideration and discussion as to where we want our school to go in things natural...

It is always hard to find a balance between natural green spaces and urban landscaped areas, particularly where many people are found in one small area, like here. I am an advocate of natural wild looks. I like the disheveled look on my daughters face to a head of tidy hair. I choose unkept lawns with wild flowers over rose gardens and, I must admit, as lovely as clean lawns are, they don't measure up to a natural stream and thicket in my mind. I am subjective.

The loveliest part of my walk to work at Ampang's campus is the stream and plants that separate ISKL from Mutiara International Grammar School along Jalan Kolam Air. I love to walk by and see the banana trees, the huge elephant-eared leaves and the standing pool with tadpoles rushing back and forth. In some ways I can't help but think that the only reason that this place looks so natural is that it isn't front and center of daily visits by students, parents, visitors, etc. It is one of those places 'missed' by urban sprawl, and it is lovely, despite also being used as a dumping ground by many of our visitors. Every once in a while the Mutiara landscapers come by and cut down the entire area, but then it has time to grow (amazingly quickly) back beautifully.

My secret dream is to see an area like this on our campuses as well. An area that is wild enough to be left alone (more or less), perhaps to be studied by science classes, or seen as a beautiful corner of campus. It could be there as a symbol that ISKL cares enough to leave this little portion of the planet (as small as it might be) alone to be. We have many such small areas around campus that could be utilized for beautification and scientific analysis.

Our school need not be separated from nature by turning it into a campus of lawns or well-trimmed gardens. Perhaps what we need is a living environment to surround us, to show us what ecosystems (even small ones) do and how they function. To teach our children that nature is not to be 'controlled' to meet our aesthetic needs, nor should it be, but rather to be revered and appreciated and respected and studied, allowing it to educate us in the process.

There is no reason why such a change cannot take place. Talks are already underway. Perhaps one day we can have our very own 'green space' on our campus, filled with endemic flowers and plants, with running water and fireflies and frogs and butterflies and birds. Allowing nature in might be a good way to allow our students to know what's out there. There is no better learning than one of experience. To allow nature in would make a massive statement that, even in schools, nature can co-exist with humanity.

January Recycling by the numbers

2009-01-21T12:39:00.005+08:00

This past Saturday marked the first Community Recycling Drop Off for 2009. The following recyclables were collected:

Newspaper: 283 kg
Cardboard: 184 kg
Mixed Paper: 185 kg
Aluminum: 22 kg
Steel/Tin: 33 kg
Plastic: 65 kg
Tetra Pak: 33 kg
TOTAL: 805 kg

Thank you, once again, to all those who continue to support the recycling program at ISKL, and especially those who came for the first time! We hope to see more and more ISKL families as the need for change is recognized and we are more empowered to become stewards of our Earth.

Community Recycling Continues Strong!

2008-12-03T08:02:00.004+08:00

It is obvious by now that the Community Recycling Drop Off program is going strong. Not only are the amounts of recyclables rather consistent, but the number of families and volunteers involved is steadily increasing. This past Saturday the Community Recycling Drop Off program generated the following goods:

RECYCLING COLLECTED

Cardboard: 114 kg
Mixed Paper: 290 kg
Newspaper: 295 kg
Plastic: 90 kg
Tetra Pak: 23 kg
Aluminum: 16 kg
TOTAL: 828 kg

Thank you, once again, for all the community efforts in keeping recyclable goods out of Malaysian landfills!

Plastic Water Bottles at Ampang... by the numbers

2008-11-20T13:41:00.011+08:00

It's been brewing for a while... subtle comments here, more deliberate conversation there, a discussion about what to do about it a little further down the hallway.. plastic water bottles at ISKL seem to be a common point of concern for most. How can, after all, a school promote environmentally-appropriate behaviors and simultaneously afford its students, community and guests the necessity of clean water?

On one side we have those who argue that five times more water is used to make the bottle itself than is stored in it, and that plastic is forever, reaching far shores out of sight and out of mind for most (Midway Island is a good topic for a YouTube short film of two), killing animals, destroying ecosystems and polluting human population centers along the way.

On the other side are thos who contest that we are a school... what better a place to educate our sons and daughters about the benefit of reusing and recycling. Eliminating water bottles by decree would not be as effective in the long term as teaching students to reduce, reuse and recycle for themselves. After all, our recycling program is working rather well as it is.

This entire discussion prompted an admittedly informal and non-scientific inquiry into ISKL's water bottle usage. It comprised of just one question: How many water bottles do we use at ISKL?

The appropriate reference point seemed to be Connie's Corner, the source of most water bottles on the Ampang campus. It should be noted that Connie's has been extremely supportive of our environmental efforts throughout its long history at our school and this blog is by no means intended to place blame on their operation but rather to identify the demand that ISKL has on water bottles.

Connie's informed me that the concession sells approximately 20 boxes (24 bottles per box) per week on average. More water is purchased when we have special events, such as SEA Forensics, International Fest or IASAS, hosted at ISKL. Likewise, short weeks might results in a smaller demand.

So, if Ampang sells 480 water bottles per five-day week (or roughly 96 bottles per day), and our school year is 180 school days long, it would seem reasonable to conclude that, as a ballpark figure, we use 17,280 bottles of water at the Ampang campus, excluding special events. It should be noted that this number does not include bottles from non-water beverages such as ice tea and fruit juices.

According to our HS Counseling Office, our current (as of November 20th) Ampang student population stands at 981 students (HS: 618; MS: 363). Our adult working population stands at roughly 190. Given these numbers, the 17,280 water bottles equates to roughly 14.76 per person (in school).

Some might see this statistic from one perspective: This could indicate that our population reuses their bottles, as they are expected to do. Certainly this would be a success considering what our demand might have been if we were using one bottle per person per day: 210,780 bottles.

On the other hand, we might compare our current number (17,280) to what might be if everyone used just one reusable bottle/cup throughout the year: 1,171.

It seems likely that, though we should celebrate what we have accomplished in comparing ourselves to the "what could have been", we should simultaneously continue working towards the "what should be".

Either way you look at it, the reality is this: As a school in a time of challenging environmental times, with a vision statement and Student Learning Results making appropriate note of the environment, it is important to be an example and to move forward towards reducing our footprint as well as educating our community about the decisions we all make on a daily basis.

As a community we need to recognize the impact of our everyday decisions, the implications of these decisions when projected onward throughout a lifetime, and empower ourselves, our families, friends and colleagues to make small changes today, tomorrow and the next day. If we can reduce the number of bottles to 17,279 tomorrow it would be a start.

Remember, before we recycle, and before we reuse, we should be actively determining ways in which we can reduce. It is only through reduction, in the end, that we can truly say that we are making a difference.

MNS Open Day on Nov. 22 at FRIM

2008-11-13T12:17:00.007+08:00

Research has shown time and time again that, if you want your children to learn to appreciate and care for the environment, there is no more powerful a learning tool than spending quality time with loved ones in the outdoors when they are young. For adults too, nature provides a respite from the business and routine of urban life. The following is a re-print from an email forwarded by Kenny Peavy to the Green Team regarding the Malaysian Nature Society Outdoor Day this coming Saturday. Please attend, bring your family and enjoy what nature has to offer!

DISCOVER NATURE WITH MNS.

Come and join us for an informal, family-oriented day of fun and activities in the beautiful green surroundings of FRIM. Use this occasion to meet and mingle with new and veteran members as well as non-members and their families. Bring your friends and loved ones. Share your infectious love of Nature with everybody.

We have lined up a long list of exciting and interesting activities to showcase the efforts of our Special Interest Groups serviced solely by dedicated volunteers.

PROGRAM
For all Walks, please register early( by 15th. Nov ) to avoid disappointment as tickets are limited. Please come suitably attired with good shoes and a bottle of water.

Canopy Walks (30 pax per slot)
2 slots. 1) 9.30 am. 2) 11.00 am.
Tickets:- Adults- (RM5.00) Students- (RM3.00) Children (6-12 yrs)-RM1.00
Register with Leo Khang Meng (kmleo@lycos.com).
Meet outside the Auditorium at FRIM, pay for your tickets and you will be guided to the Canopy Walkway by our volunteers.

Keruing Trail Walks (20 pax per walk) (approx. 1 hr)
2 slots 1) 10.00 am. 2) 3.00 pm.
Tickets: -Adults (RM2.00) Children (6-12 years)-RM1.00
Meet outside the Museum at FRIM. Please contact Mariam Jutta, your guide .(017-5027584,fedupferret@hotmail.com )

Rover Track Walks (20 pax per walk) (approx 1 ? hr)
2 slots 1) 10.00 am. 2) 3.00 pm
Tickets-Adults(RM2.00) Children (6-12 years)-RM1.00
Meet at NEC Nature Guide Booth.
Please contact John Chan (016-3569169,chankokaik@yahoo.com)

Herpetofauna Night Walk
Please contact Hurnain ( 019-3405394,hurnain@hotmail.com )

Other Activities (at NEC, FRIM)

Birdwatching
9.00 am. Come early with your binoculars and join Yati in a birding session around FRIM.

Fire Startng Techniques
11.00 am.–Bow and Drill method
2.00 pm. – Fire Saw method

Talks and Screenings

10.00 am. Talk on Status of Marine Life in Malaysia
11.00 am. Talk by MNS HQ
12.00 pm Documentary on Maliau Basin
12.30 pm. Slide show on Herpetofauna
2.00 pm Documentary on Shark Water
3.00 pm Talk on Composting
4.00 pm. Talk by MNS HQ

From 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
1. Climate Change Action Survey
2. 3-R games
3. Green Living Quiz
4. Sale of Books, Merchandise and Plants
5. Face-painting and Henna-painting
6. Art and Craft
7. Composting Demo
8. Abseiling- the Single Rope technique
9. Collection of Recyclables (please bring things that can be recycled)
10. MY CAT –Tiger Conservation
11. Tips on Photography
12. Membership Drive.

COME AND DISCOVER WHAT IGNITES OUR PASSION FOR NATURE

Bring a mat/plastic sheet and enjoy a relaxing picnic with family and friends.

Have a Great Day!!!

For more information, please contact Pasu at pasupathy_jayaraj@yahoo,com (019-3199770) or Hui Min at khor.hm@gmail.com.(017-8817714)

Positive Steps Forward

2008-11-09T21:28:00.002+08:00

I have had the pleasure (and pressure) of working as ISKL's Green Team Coordinator for the past five years. In that time I have been witness to an ever-growing awareness and environmental consciousness in everything we do. Certainly, vocabulary like "carbon offsets", "carbon neutral" and "sustainability" may have been known to some a few short years ago, but are now almost commonplace.

As the recognition of the need for an Environmental Ethos at ISKL, originally identified in the 2002 WASC accreditation process, has become more entrenched in our mindset, and as best-practices are identified and promoted on our campuses and community, it it important to recognize that no one can change the world alone. Over the past two years the Green Team has identified a number of priorities (referred to as "Bold Thoughts") that ISKL should consider in order to truly move toward being a sustainable campus.

If we are to become stewards of our environment, as we say we hope to, then we must internalize and lead by example. Research suggests that the defining variable in one's awareness and empathy toward the natural environment is one's personal experiences at a young age. Anectotal evidence at ISKL suggests that most students have no participation in activities of any sort outdoors and nature takes a back seat to shopping and computer games as a pass time. Most notably, Kenny Peavy's study of ISKL middle school students indicated that a rather large number of them had Malaysia Week to thank for their only (or one of very few) outdoor experiences. If one was to generalize, and take such evdience, anectodal though it might be, and project to the next generation, the world's population is headed into a very nature-deprived existence.

In last year's CIS/WASC accreditation visit, the accreditation team mentioned environmental stewardship and education as one of their recommendations for improvement. The Green Team and our school's administration has embraced this very idea, and is moving toward that end each and every day.

Our new vision statement includes a mention of the word "environment". This, though seemingly minor, is a major step forward for our school's efforts to promote sound environmental practices. It puts the environment "on the map" so to speak, and allows us to keep our sights on tangible, measurable and quanfiable means with which to reach sustainability.

Our school has been working on it for a while, of course. Styrofoam was banned from our campuses last year. We are working toward eliminating toxic cleaning agents from our campuses. Recycling, notably, has found strong backing in our community. Our administration is prioritizing the environmental impact of our current behaviors and infrastructure and has begun setting action plans for structural changes in the functioning of our school. There is deliberation regarding the creation of an environmental education coordinator - an arguably necessary step - in the not-so-distant future. There is discussion about measurement and accountability in all we do. There are hopes for a building that will serve as a "living classroom" for our science and environmental classes. The Green Team is moving forward in plans to introduce composting on both campuses. There are also conversations going on with Julie James (HS World Class Coordinator) and Karen Palko (MS Malaysia Week) on how the environment can be better prioritized in experiential learning opportunities offered here. Likewise, ISKL now boasts its participation in the Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots Program and the presence of divisional clubs in the Elementary School (Green Earth Club), the Middle School (Earth Explorers) and High School (Earth Club) involved directly with the environment.

We are still a good deal away from being a "green" school. At ISKL, changes take place slowly and deliberately, as they should. Internalizing an environmental ethos takes longer for some than for others. Fortunately, at ISKL it is steadily taking hold. Discussions of environmental issues can be heard in the hallways, from the cleaning of table tops after lunch to the economic benefits of sustainable living in lessons.

The Green Team is a rather small, volunteer-based group. But it seems increasingly obvious that the community's recognition of the importance of our work is growing, along with the realization that it takes an entire community to make change. With this in mind, we move forward.

Community Recycling Offers Chance to Make a Difference

2008-11-04T20:11:00.013+08:00

Prior to January 2007 there was no Community Recycling at ISKL. For the year prior to that, data was collected from students at the Ampang Campus regarding their recycling behaviors. Similar data was collected from parents through an online survey. The general concensus: There is a lot of recycling going on at school, but almost none at home. The reasons we were twofold: First, that there was no recognizable recycle infrastructure in place from home. Second, often family behavioral expectations differed from those of the school, resuling in a marked behavioral difference between home and school recycling.

In January 2007, the Green Team took a step forward in giving our community a chance to recycle by setting up an agreement with a local NGO named TrEES. By introducing Community Recycling to our school we not only offer the opportunity for families who would normally recycle to continue this positive behavior, but also bring recycling to the forefront of the minds of those who didn't do that before.

So now, roughly once a month, on a Saturday morning, the Ampang campus parking lot comes alive with a buzz of activity which has increased over the past two years. Community Recycling has now become part of our ISKL culture and set of behavioral assumptions, and more and more people are showing up with their newspapers, plastic, tin cans, magazines, cardboard, aluminum cans and Tetra Pak in an attempt to make a positive difference. No one forces them to do so. No one is counting. No one is holding them personally accountable, except, perhaps, for themselves. And this is the heartening fact. Community Recycling has become a success, when it is held up entirely - from those doing the recycling to those helping out - by volunteer effort.

But not only that. The Community Recycling Program has also brought community members old and young together as one unifying force. On November 1st the Melawati Girl Scouts arrived for what promises to be a monthly presence. Mr. Chmelik and his wife Betsy are often seen there, sorting and stacking recyclables. Lisa Nazim and Ronnie Wynne, who organized the Nov. 1st drop off, were happy with the results of the day. Lisa noted that, to her recollection, this was arguably the largest recycling day ever.

Other voluteers have included Everett Burke who, since his arrival at ISKL last year, has been to each and every one. Also, Lyn and Rob Thompson, Scott Anders, Rebecca Lemos, Earl and Gayle Turko, Adda Cuthbert, Kenny Peavy, Mark Walsh, Lynne Smith, Gelaldine McCavanaugh, Silver Candler and her two lovely children, to name just a few, are seen doing their fair share to lend a helping hand.

In just under two years we have collected over 22,000 kg of recyclables at ISKL. Considering how much this program can still grow, this is a powerful message that we can make a difference for our environment. That is 22 truck loads of waste that would otherwise have ended up in a landfill. And that's not half-bad for two hours a month.

Think about what we can do with even more of us on-board. So, if you don't currently recycle your waste, please take a moment to think about doing so. It is never too late. Let's keep Community Recycling going stong! Who knows, you might ever come to realize that, apart from doing what is right, it's also a really good time!

Welcome to ISKL's Green Page

2008-10-30T14:21:00.000+08:00

Welcome to ISKL's new Green Page!

Green Team has taken a bold move forward to establish a blog relating to all things 'green' at ISKL and we look forward to using this blog as a tool to reach our community of parents, students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Look to this blog for information regarding our efforts, activities and initiatives throughout the academic year.

Welcome to a new Green Generation of ISKL!