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Students at Galway’s Merlin College have been showing their commitment to sustainability with a big push for water conservation this year.
The Doughiska secondary school has been working hard this Spring to cut its water usage and raise awareness of water as a critical and limited resource among its 700 students and 70 staff.
For the second year running, Merlin College is taking part in the Green-Schools Water Ambassador Programme, building on a history of environmental action.
Founded in 2013 under the patronage of the GRETB, part of this ethos of Merlin College is to shine a light on environmental education and awareness.
Speaking about the greening initiatives undertaken at the school, teacher Claire Stenson said that there has been a “growing interest” among students about the natural and built environment each year.
“In 2020 we were delighted to see the students’ work rewarded with our first Green Flag for raising awareness and reducing the amount of litter and waste in our school.”
“This year we are building upon that success and focusing our efforts in developing awareness around water conservation and how to effectively manage this important resource.”
As part of this they reached out to Irish Water, who have been sponsoring the Green Schools Water theme.
Several initiatives were kicked off in January as part of the Green Schools Water Week.
These included a water and wastewater training session with Irish Water, a Climate Justice Talk from Trócaire, a Water Ambassador ‘Wellbeing’ Workshop with Green-Schools Ireland, a Water Walk in Merlin Woods with ‘Friends of Merlin Woods’, and many more.
Merlin College already has a rainwater harvesting system in place, but this Spring the Water Ambassadors have set up their own water harvesting system to water the school’s polytunnel.
Claire continued “This year we were delighted when Merlin College students were chosen to participate in the Green-Schools Water Ambassador Programme for a second year in a row.
“Last year our students were awarded runners-up in the water ambassadors awards, a real boost for the school.”
The aim of the Ambassador Programme is to engage with secondary students about the topics of water, water conservation, treatment and the marine environment, and then have them raise awareness in their own schools and communities.
Claire continued: “Environmental education is not only benefiting Merlin College but also the lives and homes of students and staff alike.”
“Students are walking out of the school every day reminded of the need to conserve water and protect the precious resource for the next generation.”
