On 7th December 2020 there was an online meeting of the whole school society in Purda. During the meeting students of classes 6 and 7 presented the results of their discussions on how to postpone the overshoot day. This resulted in two challenges: recycling waste and water saving.  

                                                                  Primary School in Purda, Poland: class 6

                                                                  Primary School in Purda, Poland: class 7

Water saving challenge was undertook by both Polish and Dutch groups in January: during week 1 they measured the amount of water that was used in their households, while consuming water 'as usual'. In week 2 they tried to reduce the amount of water. They compared the results of week one and two and found out how much water they had saved. Eventually, ten of us did the challenge (actually more students did, but not everyone managed to read the water meter correctly – that's also something we learned now) We added up all our savings. The activity is also published on #MoveTheDate solutions map at: https://movethedate.overshootday.org/647595-vrooem-erasmus 

Zero waste week challenge: students of Purda embraced the task of aware waste recycling for one week at the end of February. They tried to reduce their rubbish for a week and then described the results in power point presentations using pecha-kucha methed during online English class. In their presentations students showed the rubbish they collected in a week’s time and explained how they had reused certain objects. They also shared ideas how we all can replace plastic. 

We learned many things during these challenges. The abstract 'footprint' number, came to life when we realised that water consumption and rubbish are part of it and that you can influence this yourself! We also discussed in class the way we can save water and which part is visible from the water meter. Eating less meat for example saves a lot of water, but doesn't influence the water meter in your house. Some of the students are now aware of the existence of water/electricity/gas meters in the house, what they are used for and where they can be found. This is a first step in  reaching awareness of water and energy consumption. Similar conclusions are reached in the matter of recycling.