Geashill School Scoil na Croise Naofa

Geashill N.S.
saving Water for their Third Green Flag

Over the last 2 years everyone in Geashill N.S. has been working hard to reduce their water consumption. They hope to be awarded their third Green Flag in May this year. The Green Schools Committee meets regularly to discuss, monitor and plan strategies to continue this work. The committee is made up of children from each class and teachers.

The committee began by establishing how much water the school used every day. They then decided on strategies to reduce the water used.

• A water squad was appointed to check for leaking taps and toilets
• Slogans and signs were placed around the school to remind everyone to turn off taps
• Basins were used when washing objects in the sink
• Experiments were conducted measuring the water wasted by leaving the tap running while washing dishes, hands and teeth
• Vegetables in the school garden were watered with saved sink water.

The slogan 'Every Drop Counts' was chosen as the Green Code.

This campaign has worked very well. In November 2010 on average each person in Geashill N.S. was using 12 litres of water each day. By Nov 2011 this had been reduced to under 4 litres. A reduction of 66%.

The whole school has taken part in workshops organised by An Taisce and Offaly County Council. 5th and 6th classes attended the Water Exhibition at Áras an Chontae organised by Offaly County Council.
Along with water conservation they have continued to monitor their litter and waste management and energy saving strategies. In the next two months they will continue to encourage water conservation in homes and the wider community.

Top tips for Water conservation in the Home:

• A dripping tap can waste over 4 litres of water every day
• Brushing teeth with the tap running uses 6 litres of water per minute
• Washing the car with a bucket uses 10 litres of water, while using a hosepipe uses almost 250 litres
• Having a bath uses 80 litres of water, while having a shower uses 35 litres of water.
• Collected rainwater is great for watering garden plants

Remember - 'Every Drop Counts'

Click play to see pictures of children showing ways to conserve water in the home