In order to have a sustainable living environment, we need to create habits that are sustainable and that contribute to solving environmental problems, and through them to other problems in the community and society. Sustainable habits of attitude towards the school, work and living environment, together with awareness of the consequences of daily activities to satisfy primary and secondary needs helps to create healthy habits that enrich the quality of life of each individual. Creating sustainable habits to protect the environment in secondary schools, affects the development and increase of students’ ability to think critically and make their own contribution to the protection of the environment in the community.
These habits contribute to a healthier living environment, and to a better quality of life and encouraging and developing awareness for analysis, research and seeking new ways of acting. Sustainable habits also mean empowering students to advocate for positive changes in the environment, which will contribute to preserving the air, water, and land, not only for us but also for future generations. It requires a serious approach that should be based on research. and knowledge within the school programs and to be in context with the sustainable development of society, because environmental protection is an integral part of the development of individuals and the community. Students should be familiar with the environmental standards, which determine the concentration of harmful substances in waste, and develop a correct attitude towards the storage, disposal and recycling of waste.
To create sustainable habits, students should be actively involved in various trainings and workshops, and acquire additional education on types of waste, disposal, recycling and reuse. Such habits will be acquired and maintained in schools and by organizing actions for cleaning the courtyards and school premises, planting flowers and seedlings, and creating ecological gardens continuously throughout the year.
Students with their own example should contribute to the reduction of traffic pollution, for example by using transport that do not pollute, and acquiring walking habits. Through these habits, they will also contribute to greater traffic safety; and they will acquire the ability to objectively assess and value their own participation in pollution and the opportunities to contribute to a healthier environment.
From the students of SUGS “Lazar Tanev” Kozle, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia