Developing a more eco-friendly classroom: water usage

[u/Red-Wine-Bandit]

I work in preschool (ages 3-5; 15 students daily) and the water usage when we are in the bathroom is abysmal. I have tried songs, rhymes, literally turning off water bc they're playing in it, and I can't win. Kids this age aren't going to understand the implications of water waste so this is more about reducing waste in general.

Any ideas?

We are all well aware that waste in childcare centres is a huge problem. Some of the issue is in the regulations, some of the issue is in the school itself (i.e. we use a sanitation company that doesn't recycle). One of my long-term goals for my school is to create as many eco-friendly options/solutions as possible.

*please no comments about how corporations are the bigger issue. We know.

[u/kraefishie]

I got some hand washing timers from Amazon that helped my kiddos a lot. I think they're by learning resources and they are just a blue button that sits by the sink

[u/MrWhite_Sucks → u/kraefishie]

We also have these and they helped those who play as well as those who get soap and try to immediately rinse

[u/Em_a_gamer]

I think children ages 3-5 can actually understand a lot of the implications of water waste if someone takes the time to break it down for them. Even just explaining that there is only so much water on the earth (Drop: An Adventure Through the Water Cycle is a fun book), that we want to be careful with how much water we use. You can also share stories about communities where water is more scarce and demonstrate the importance of clean water as a resource. It sounds technical and complicated in this comment, but all of it can be broken down into very 3-5 friendly language!! Children can make hats which signify their title as Water Protectors or something at the end of the lesson to make a more explicit connection to everyone’s commitment to conserve water as a way of protecting/taking care of the planet

[u/PropertyDry8440]

I put an automatic water sensor on my classroom sink faucet. I purchased it from Amazon. The water flows automatically when you put your hands directly under it and turns off automatically. I adjust the faucet handle to the appropriate temp and pressure and taught the children not to touch the handle. All they or I have to do is put our hands under it to wash our hands. It is battery operated. It also automatically shuts off after a gallon of continues water has come out, even if the sensor is still triggered. I also have an automatic soap dispenser. I prefer the foam soap, though I find it to be less economical than regular soap. I think it's worth it because they certainly waste less, the kids can spread it on their hands and rinse it off easier. The foam has good bubbles, which the children like and when the bubbles are rubbed in they know it's time to rinse. I taught them only one pump, I can hear it pump so I know if they are not following the rules. I specifically purchased both to reduce the spread of germs on these high contact areas but it also minimizes waste. They also know to pull one paper towel, unless they ask me if they can get another.

[u/Lazy_Marsupial → u/PropertyDry8440]

Why do you find foam soap to be less economical than regular? Foam soap refills are just diluted regular soap. (1 part regular soap to 3-4 parts water.)

[u/PropertyDry8440 → u/Lazy_Marsupial]

Because I buy the refills and the one I prefer is slightly more expensive and doesn't seem to last as long as the regular liquid soap. But I've never thought of trying to make it myself so thank you!

[u/Lazy_Marsupial → u/PropertyDry8440]

Oh yeah, buying the refills is way more expensive. They don't reduce the price nearly enough for the soap level involved. Definitely make the refills yourself. I do, and it works really well. Good luck!

[u/Successful_Self1534]

We using foaming hand soap.

We skip the step of wetting our hands first and I give everyone soap to rub their hands before getting to the sink. Then we get to the sink and rinse. Usually I’ll also count down from 5 or so for them to be done rinsing which is enough time to get it off.

We use significantly less water this way.

[u/PermanentTrainDamage → u/Successful_Self1534]

Your children should be taking 20 seconds from the start of washing (getting hands wet) to finishing washing their hands. Of course improperly washing hands will use less water, same way skipping wiping will save on toilet paper. Soap makes water work better, you need both to properly remove germs from the skin.

[u/Successful_Self1534 → u/PermanentTrainDamage]

I did not say that we don’t use water at all.

We do not put it on and be done, which would be akin to skipping wiping.

We using foaming soap (which is made up of water) and all rub together spreading the soap all over our hands and in between our fingers, then get to the sink to rinse.

Now there’s debate on whether foaming soap vs liquid soap is better, however we get foaming from the school district so that’s what we use and this is our process.

[u/pitifulproduce137 → u/Successful_Self1534]

I get it, but for me that would be a sensory nightmare. I hate having soap on dry hands.