Green Efforts
Waldorf founder Rudolf Steiner was a pioneer in earth advocacy. His writings, lectures and techniques are still touchstones in the areas of modern biodynamic farming and architecture. This commitment to balance between humans and the earth is also incorporated into the overall philosophical approach to Waldorf education.
Respect for the earth and active work on her behalf are central to Waldorf learning and are integrated throughout the curriculum and the day-to-day life of the school. Beginning in the earliest classes, students are brought into nature for phenomenological observation and study. Connections between our actions and the consequences for our planet are woven into the culture of community. It is not surprising that many of our students continue work for environmental and sustainability issues long after graduation.
Chicago Waldorf School has a long history of carrying on this tradition through school programs, curriculum focus and community involvement. Our Sophia Garden, recently moved to nearby Schreiber Park, provides students and community members with opportunities to garden, observe and enjoy nature in an urban setting. A partnership with Uncommon Ground allows students yet another opportunity to work and learn in the city’s only certified organic rooftop garden. Making the connections between planting and final destinations, food from the garden is often donated to local agencies to support their pantry programs. A beekeeping club offers students a chance to study and participate in the art with honey from the hives being sold as a school fundraising activity.
A new solar panel project has been installed providing students with hands-on experience working with solar cells. The new demonstration photovoltaic system will be used in the study of electricity for grades K-12. A monitoring system will allow for further data gathering and analysis, with plans to make the data accessible in real time through the internet, allowing individual students to analyze the system performance via www.illinoissolarschools.org. In addition, the panels will provide a portion of the electrical power used in the school building.
Our website has moved to green power as we continually look for new ways bring our power needs into better harmony with the environment.
The high school Green Team leads the way for new school efforts through such initiatives as revitalizing our plastic, glass, paper and cardboard recycling program, building worm compost bins, advocating for alternative transportation through bicycling advocacy (including installation of a new bike rack) and publishing “Green Tips” in the school newsletter the Bulletin.
Community service work is an integral part of the high school curriculum as well as being a huge part of the school community consciousness. Students, families, staff and faculty regularly join area environmental groups for a variety of cleanup and advocacy efforts throughout the city.