Beidou Elementary: A Model for Sustainable Education and Environmental Responsibility

Beidou Elementary School is dedicated to promoting sustainability through its Taiwan-American Eco-School Initiative, focusing on two key areas: sustainable food practices and waste reduction. By integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into everyday learning, the school is actively shaping a greener future and inspiring young minds to become responsible global citizens.

Sustainable Food: Local Ingredients, A Better Future (SDG 2 & SDG 12)

To encourage sustainable agriculture and responsible consumption, Beidou Elementary integrates farming into education. Students and teachers work together to grow coriander, strawberries, bok choy, and cherry tomatoes, giving students hands-on experience in food production. This practice aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting local and healthy food sources while teaching children the value of self-sufficiency.

In addition, the school promotes food appreciation and waste reduction. Students are encouraged to avoid picky eating and take home leftover food from school lunches, reinforcing SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). These habits not only reduce food waste but also cultivate a deeper respect for food resources.

Waste Reduction & Recycling: Small Actions, Big Impact (SDG 11 & SDG 13)

Beidou Elementary is committed to minimizing waste and reducing plastic consumption. Every week, the school organizes waste sorting and recycling activities, helping students develop lifelong habits that support SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Additionally, the school actively promotes a plastic-free lifestyle, raising awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastics.

To strengthen environmental education, Beidou Elementary collaborates with local environmental groups. The Tzu Chi Foundation teaches students how to reuse packing straps, while the Maple Eco-School offers lessons on making eco-friendly soap. These activities directly support SDG 13 (Climate Action) by educating students on ways to reduce waste and lower their environmental footprint.

Recognized for Excellence: Silver Certification in Eco-Education

Thanks to the dedication of teachers, students, parents, and community volunteers, Beidou Elementary achieved Silver Certification in the Taiwan-American Eco-School Initiative in 2024. This recognition reflects the school’s commitment to environmental sustainability and hands-on education, creating a model for other schools to follow.

At Beidou Elementary, sustainability is more than just a concept—it’s a way of life. By aligning with the UN's SDGs, the school empowers students to take meaningful action, making a lasting impact on their community and the world.

北斗國小：永續教育與環保行動的典範

北斗國小致力於推動臺美生態學校計畫，聚焦於永續食物與廢棄物減量兩大主題。學校積極融入聯合國永續發展目標（SDGs），讓學生透過實踐學習環保觀念，共同打造更綠色的未來，並培養他們成為負責任的全球公民。

永續食物：在地好食材，創造美好未來（SDG 2 & SDG 12）

為了推廣永續農業與負責任的消費，北斗國小將農耕納入課程，讓學生與老師共同種植芫荽（香菜）、草莓、小白菜與小番茄，透過親身體驗了解食物的來源。這項實踐響應SDG 2（消除飢餓），促進健康的本地食材使用，並培養學生的自給自足能力。

此外，學校大力提倡珍惜食物與減少浪費，鼓勵學生不偏食，並將午餐剩食打包帶回家，落實SDG 12（負責任的消費與生產）。這些習慣不僅減少食物浪費，也讓學生從小培養對糧食資源的尊重。

廢棄物減量與回收：小行動，大影響（SDG 11 & SDG 13）

北斗國小積極推動垃圾減量與塑膠減少，每週舉辦垃圾分類與資源回收活動，讓學生養成良好的環保習慣，響應SDG 11（永續城鄉）。此外，學校也不斷宣導減塑生活，提升學生對一次性塑膠污染的認識，鼓勵從日常生活做出改變。

為了深化環境教育，學校與在地環保團體合作。慈濟基金會來校教導學生如何重複利用打包帶，楓樹環保小學堂則教授學生製作環保皂，讓學生學會環保技能，落實SDG 13（氣候行動），減少環境負擔。

榮獲銀牌認證：永續教育的卓越成就

在老師、生態團隊學生、家長及社區志工的共同努力下，北斗國小於2024 年獲得臺美生態學校銀牌認證，這項殊榮展現了學校對環境永續與實作教育的承諾，成為其他學校學習的典範。

在北斗國小，永續不只是理念，而是一種生活方式。透過實踐聯合國永續發展目標（SDGs），學校讓學生能夠採取具體行動，為社區與世界帶來長遠的正向影響。

What is Taiwan-American Eco-School Initiative?

The Taiwan-American Eco-School Initiative is a collaborative program between Taiwan and the United States aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and education in schools. It encourages schools to take action in areas such as sustainable food, waste reduction, energy conservation, and environmental awareness while fostering international exchange and cooperation.

Why Is the U.S. Involved?

This initiative is inspired by successful eco-school programs in the U.S., where environmental education is a key focus in many schools. Taiwan and the U.S. share knowledge, resources, and best practices to help schools implement sustainable projects. American educators, environmental experts, and partner organizations provide guidance, training, and support to help Taiwanese schools adopt effective eco-friendly practices.

Key Focus Areas

1. Sustainable Food – Schools grow their own food, promote healthy eating, and reduce food waste.

2. Waste Reduction – Students learn to properly recycle, reduce plastic use, and minimize waste.

3. Energy Conservation – Schools adopt eco-friendly practices like saving electricity and using renewable energy.

4. Global Environmental Awareness – Schools collaborate with local and international organizations to raise awareness about climate change and sustainability.

Recognizing Schools’ Efforts

Schools that actively participate in the initiative can earn certifications based on their efforts. These certifications encourage schools to continuously improve and serve as role models for others.

By joining the Taiwan-American Eco-School Initiative, schools not only make their campuses more sustainable but also create meaningful connections with global partners, teaching students how international cooperation can help protect the planet for future generations.

什麼是臺美生態學校？

臺美生態學校計畫 是臺灣與美國合作推動的環境永續教育計畫，旨在協助學校發展永續食物、廢棄物減量、節能減碳、環境意識提升等環保行動。同時，這項計畫也促進國際交流與合作，讓學校透過實踐學習環境保護的重要性。

為何美國參與此計畫？

此計畫受到美國生態學校（Eco-Schools）模式的啟發，美國許多學校都將環境教育視為重要課題。透過臺美合作，臺灣與美國共享環境教育的知識、資源及最佳實踐方法，幫助學校發展更有效的永續計畫。此外，美國的教育專家、環保組織與合作夥伴也提供培訓、指導與支援，協助臺灣學校更好地推動生態教育。

核心目標

1. 永續食物 – 學校種植農作物、提倡健康飲食，並減少食物浪費。

2. 廢棄物減量 – 學生學習正確的資源回收方法，減少塑膠使用，降低垃圾量。

3. 節能減碳 – 學校推動節約能源、使用再生能源等環保行動。

4. 全球環境意識 – 學校與在地及國際組織合作，提高對氣候變遷與環境永續的認識。

學校認證與榮譽

積極參與此計畫的學校可獲得環境永續認證，以表揚他們在生態教育上的努力，並鼓勵其他學校效仿與學習。

透過參與臺美生態學校計畫，學校不僅能夠打造更永續的校園，還能與全球夥伴建立深具意義的國際連結，讓學生理解如何透過國際合作來保護地球，為未來世代創造更美好的環境。