Celebrating Global Action Week with Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Initiatives

This week at VIS was filled with hands-on learning and meaningful action as students engaged in Global Action Week, exploring key themes of biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. Through a range of educational activities, workshops, and eco-conscious initiatives, students deepened their understanding of how small actions can create a global impact.

The week began with a special performance by the Primary School Choir, setting an inspiring tone for the activities ahead. Students took part in “Climate and Me,” a workshop organized by the Federal State of Lower Austria and the Ministry of European and International Affairs, which helped them explore climate issues on a personal and global scale. They also participated in STEM challenges, focusing on designing Green Cities and Eco-Schools, fostering innovative thinking around urban sustainability.

Throughout the week, students actively contributed to environmental efforts by:

• Cleaning litter left on playgrounds.
• Assessing water usage in school facilities.
• Reducing food waste through mindful eating practices.
• Evaluating school recycling systems to promote better waste management.
• Creating food balls to protect endemic bird species and brainstorming ideas for smarter, eco-friendly cities.

One highlight of the week was a school-wide energy-saving initiative, where VIS saved 5,400 watts in just two minutes by voluntarily turning off lights across classrooms, libraries, and offices. Many teachers extended this effort, with some classes keeping lights off for hours!

Another significant initiative took place in the Primary School, where students used color-coded cards to select portion sizes, leading to a noticeable reduction in food waste. This simple action encouraged students to be more mindful of consumption while promoting sustainable food practices.

At VIS, we are committed to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, and Global Action Week showcased how small, intentional actions can contribute to the global restoration of our planet.