Earth Week at ISP: From Awareness to Action

From planting trees to pledging a plastic-free future, students across ISP marked Earth Week 2025 (21–27 April) with hands-on action, bold ideas, and a shared commitment to the planet. 

The initiative was planned by a group of students who attended the Changemaker Summit at Munich International School last spring, where they developed the idea as a way to give back to the environment and create a lasting symbol of sustainability on campus. The entire project , including the activities covered in this article, was made possible thanks to the generosity of our parent community through gifts to the ISP Fund.

The week highlighted how environmental responsibility at ISP goes beyond awareness, it’s about empowering young people to lead with purpose, work together across the school, and turn learning into lasting change. 

Digging in for the Planet: Tree Planting Across Campus

Tree planting took centre stage during Earth Week, with students in both the Elementary and Middle Schools leading the charge. In the ECF Fairy Garden, young students helped plant a new willow tree, taking turns adding soil and eagerly gathering around to watch. It was a lively, hands-on moment that gave our youngest learners a chance to be part of Earth Week in their own way.

Meanwhile, Middle School students marked Earth Week with a special lunchtime tree planting event. In February, fourth grade students participated in an Academy, co-led by elective students in the Middle School and members of the Plant-for-the-Planet organisation, to raise awareness about global deforestation. After the Academy, students were committed to plant more trees on campus. These acts of planting weren’t just symbolic; they represented meaningful action and a connection to nature that the students involved will remember during their time at the school as the trees grow. 

"Earth Week at ISP is a powerful example of what happens when student voice, purpose, and learning come together. This wasn’t a one-off event - it was about creating lasting impact, driven by our young Changemakers and their commitment to the planet."

Michelle Juhasz, Middle School Principal

Plastic-Free Pledges and a Waste Awareness Campaign

One of the most tangible initiatives of the week was the Middle School’s plastic waste audit, coordinated by the MS Changemakers Club. Throughout the week, students collected all the plastic waste generated in the Middle School. The daily volume was surprising, with an average of one full rubbish bag each day — sparking calls for change.

In response, MS students and teachers were invited to take a ‘Plastic-Free Pledge’, committing to reduce their use of single-use plastics both at school and at home. Options included pledging to bring a reusable water bottle, avoid disposable plastic packaging, and promote sustainable habits among peers.

The pledges were shared in Advisory and Homeroom groups, making it a true community effort to reduce ISP’s environmental footprint.

A Visit from “Plastic Free Boy”

To wrap up Earth Week, on Friday, 25 April, ISP welcomed Arlian Ecker, also known as Plastic Free Boy, for a series of inspiring sessions with students across all school divisions. Arlian, a 19-year-old environmental advocate from Australia, has been speaking to students around the world about the dangers of single-use plastics and the importance of youth-led change.

From lively puppet shows with our youngest learners to thought-provoking presentations to the Upper School, Arlian’s message resonated widely: protecting the planet is both urgent and achievable and it starts with this generation - Generation Now!

Reflecting on his own journey, which began after a life-changing moment on his 11th birthday, Arlian shared how a single question evolved into a global mission — one that has now reached over two million students. “What can I say to inspire change?” he asked, urging students to become Changemakers in their own right.

Joined by his mother, underwater documentary filmmaker Karin Ecker, Arlian brought passion, authenticity, and energy to every session. Please watch this video of the visit created by Karin, which captures the spirit of Arlian’s message and the genuine connection he formed with our students.

 

“There’s something incredibly powerful about students hearing directly from someone their own age who began their changemaker journey in primary school and remained committed throughout their education. Stories like these inspire our students to see that they, too, can make a meaningful impact on their community and on the world.”

Gena Rabinowitz, Changemaker & Community Service Coordinator

His visit — made possible through connections built at a recent Changemaker Conference in Budapest and with funding from the ISP community via donations to the ISP Fund — was a highlight of Earth Week. It sparked curiosity, conversation, and a strong call to action: to think globally, act locally, and believe that even young voices can make a difference.

Eco-Schools and a Whole-School Movement

Earth Week also ties into ISP’s broader sustainability goals. Led by the Earth Club, the school is actively working toward Eco-Schools status — a globally recognised certification for schools committed to sustainable development.

The week’s events reflected not just the passion of our students but the work of dedicated faculty leads across all divisions. Together, they are helping to embed sustainability into both the curriculum and daily life at ISP.

 

Looking Forward

Whether planting a tree, pledging to reduce plastic, or engaging in meaningful conversations about our planet’s future, students across ISP showed that Earth Week isn’t just a celebration — it’s a catalyst for change.

As we continue our Eco-Schools journey and build on these initiatives throughout the year, Earth Week 2025 will stand as a powerful example of what can happen when the school community unites around a common purpose: caring for our planet.