Invicta Vlogs
At this time of year, as the days lengthen and the sun shines, we often start to think of Summer: picnics, barbeques, birthdays, visits to the beach, and getting ready for our holidays.
At this time of year, as the days lengthen and the sun shines, we often start to think of Summer: picnics, barbeques, birthdays, visits to the beach, and getting ready for our holidays.
It is fitting then, to remind ourselves of the effect these activities have on the environment, and to think about how we can minimise our impact whilst still having fun.
Most plastics are not biodegradable and typically take more than 400 years to break down; smaller pieces are already making their way into marine food chains. Globally, plastic bottles make up 1/3 of all marine litter, adding to the 5 trillion pieces of plastic already polluting the oceans, and ‘single use straws’ are among the most common items found during beach clean ups.
In the UK, air travel accounts for around 13%–15% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
Perhaps try some of these ideas to have fun in the sun, whilst helping to conserve our resources:
• Go on a picnic with friends, with reusable cutlery, plates and napkins. Make sure you clean up your litter when you leave. Alternatively, bring some toys too and take your younger siblings on a Teddy Bear Picnic!
• Do some gardening – great exercise, a chance to spend some time with your family, and with some quick planting, you will soon have some salads to pick for your summer lunches. More plants photosynthesising will also help to absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Turn off your screens and read a book – a rewarding yet relaxing activity with a low carbon footprint which can help you keep your mind active over the holiday.
• Eat some sustainable, locally produced food this summer – perhaps fish and chips at the beach, or pick your own strawberries from many local farms?
• Take a stay-cation – holiday from home to avoid the expense, early mornings and huge fossil fuel requirements of a foreign holiday. Explore the local area; Kent Life, Leeds Castle and Knowle House all have plenty to see and do.
• Explore Down House – Charles Darwin’s home for 40 years. You can stand in the study where Darwin wrote ‘on the Origin of Species’ before strolling through the gardens that inspired him.
• Burn off some energy at Gravity, the big skate park at Hastings, ice skating at Gillingham, or even hire a ‘swan’ at Mote park. These are a fun day out with friends, and will also help to keep you fit and active when you are away from your PE lessons.
• Take a step back in time and investigate the Egyptian era at Maidstone Museum, a free day out if the weather starts to turn. The Egyptians have plenty to teach us; their glassware can still be reused, and their honey is still edible!
• Walk along the River Medway, listen to music at Whatman Park, then have a cream tea at Allington Lock, or pop into Vinters Valley Nature Reserve and see the beautiful landscape we have right on our doorstep.
• Now might also be a good time to Spring clean your bedroom, and donate any unwanted belongings to charity.
During this half term, learn the lessons from your assessments, prepare yourselves for the next school year and start to plan your summer adventures!
Mrs McGivern
Assistant Director of Science
