Sustainability@Doon
Ecobricks
The Eco brick program at Doon aims to solve the ever-pressing issue of pollution from the construction of bricks. Bricks manufacturing releases significant air pollution, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, contributing to climate change, respiratory problems, and environmental degradation. In this program, plastic water bottles layered with cement were used instead of bricks avoiding the harmful effects mentioned prior. In this way, plastic bottles were recycled along with putting on display the potential capabilities of Eco bricks.
Toys from Trash
Toys from Trash was an initiative started by Professor Arvind Gupta. An Alumni of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur- His motto with the program is “The Best thing a child can do with a toy is break it!”. The program involves the creation of various school-level projects with “trash” – simply waste that otherwise doesn’t have any use. Examples include a Lift, using pieces of straw and a string. Displaying the phenomenon of friction and equations of motion. Through this initiative, Dr Arvind Gupta aimed to put on display the intuitive nature of physics and its applications in our day-to-day lives.
“Earth Hour”
The entire school community celebrates earth day each year by switching off all lights for half an hour. Only the lights of the CDH where the students are present for that duration and strategic security lights are kept on.
Paper Recycling
Since the beginning, paper recycling has been critical to environmental sustainability, transforming waste paper into items such as files, folders, bags, and photo cards. The procedure starts with collecting and shredding rough paper into little bits, soaking it to make a pulp, and then blending it into a smooth consistency. Students at Doon press and flatten the pulp on screens, resulting in thin sheets of paper that are dried and cut into different products. This hands-on involvement promotes environmental stewardship and emphasizes the value of sustainable practices.
Cleanliness Drive
Students of the nature club and other enthusiasts gathered on Earth Day to clean the Khud (Khud is the natural ecosystem existing on the outskirts of the school).
SDOF
Taking a cue from the late Shri Sunder Lal Bahuguna who used to say that our education system has failed us – the environment and society. It is not holistic because it is limited to the use of just the mind and three fingers or ten in the case of the privileged computer owners. Education should involve the use of the mind as well as the limbs, only then will students learn the importance of water, soil, plants, trees and nature as such. Given the challenges of the environmental crises the SDOF program in the Doon School endeavours to face the challenge by sensitizing our students through an interdisciplinary approach. The curriculum aims at bringing together theoretical and practical knowledge for sustainable development. The students are made aware of sustainable farming techniques, soil and water conservation, energy production & consumption, waste management, etc. They have a class once a week in which they are given hands-on experience about the above-mentioned.
Flora and Fauna
Activities such as Birding, Owling, Quadrant sampling, and Butterfly Searching, are conducted periodically by the boy-in-charge, masters. The Bird count during GBBC in Feb 2024 is logged on eBird®️ (A Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website). The Doon School has already been designated a birding hotspot by eBird®️, with over 135 species recorded so far.
Hydroponics
The boys at Doon proudly implement a novel way of cultivating crops and vegetables. The technique is referred to as Hydroponics. This method refined by the boys at Doon, of plant production provides a nutrient-rich water solution, allowing plants to thrive in unexpected conditions. It is a revolutionary method of agriculture that offers several advantages while supporting sustainability. This not only develops a greater understanding of plant physiology but also allows us to maintain a continuous supply of fresh vegetables for the School community.
Making Stationary Trays from the Discarded Material
The team meticulously gather the scrap material, and transform it into an array of vibrant trays and stationary organizers, designed to cater to the demands of bustling examination halls and efficient office spaces, ensuring functionality and aesthetics harmoniously coexist.