But Is It News?
So you've decided to create an ecology study centre in your schoolyard. You'll have fun. You'll also be setting a good example of what sustainable development is all about. You can use this chance to do some teaching yourselves! Let the community know what you're up to and how important it is that we all practise sustainable development. Make it a full-fledged news event!

If you live in a small town, your local newspaper may be very interested in doing a story on your schoolyard project. Daily newspapers in larger centres may be less interested, but they are worth trying anyway. Most dailies have human interest or local neighbourhood sections where your story might be appropriate.

In larger cities, there are often several small community papers covering different areas of the city. These newspapers would be a perfect spot for a story on your project.

Before you contact any of the papers, organize your presentation. Write a simple, double-spaced, one-page press release, giving project details. Remember to stress how important it is that we all practise sustainable development. Put a contact person's name and phone number and the name of your school at the bottom of the release.

Choose a classmate to represent the group — someone who isn't shy! Have your teacher go with your spokesperson to the newspaper. Make an appointment with the news editor first. That way you won't arrive at deadline time when everyone will be too frantically busy to see you.

Make it an Event!
You can make an event of a recycling campaign for your school. Make a list of all the things in your school that can be recycled or used again.

Write a one-page press release. Explain how your school recycling campaign ties in with sustainable development. List all the ways recycling can be done in your school. Make photocopies of your press release and give them out to every teacher. Ask if their classes would co-operate in school recycling.

User-Friendly Network
Did you know you can exchange ideas and information with other classes across Canada? All you need is a classroom computer. Besides exchanging ideas, you could collaborate on projects. For example, one collaborative scheme could involve several schools replanting an area with trees. Or, if there are vulnerable, threatened or endangered species in your region, your group could develop a programme to educate the public on the subject.

Earth Day
Earth Day is a massive, worldwide demonstration for sustainable development. It is meant to show that people can accomplish extraordinary things by working together.

Earth Day will span nations and cultures and address scores of important issues. Decisions about how to best participate will be made locally.

Local Action, World Results
Remember, every little bit you do for sustainable development makes a big difference. You’ll be joining the growing number of Canadians who are becoming careful managers of the world around us.

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