Instructors Cultivate Children with Environment Protection in West California Academy of Art and Design Classroom

A new household garbage sorting and reduction regulation was taken effect in Shanghai on May 1, 2019. Garbage in the city was divided into recyclable materials, hazardous waste, wet waste and dry waste. Soon, garbage sorting will no longer be an option but a requirement in China.


West California Academy of Art and Design (WCAAD) instructors encourage students to create artworks themed “Garbage Sorting and Recycling.”

In the classroom of WCAAD, instructors not only teach children to draw, but also educate them with concept of environment protection. The rapid growth of household waste not only endangers the environment and people’s health, but also limits social and economic development. The effective sorting and recycling of garbage can control this problem. ​

WCAAD instructors hope to increases children’s participation and consciousness of environmental protection. "Garbage sorting management is relevant to people changing their habits, and it will be a long-term process.” Lei Wang, the WCAAD principal said, “some countries have worked decades or even longer on this endeavor. In Japan, even a children ages three knows garbage sorting.” Lei said it’s very important for children to learn environment protection at a young age.
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As a matter of fact, residents in Japan face a mind-boggling up to 45 separate categories for their garbage as the country aims to be "zero-waste" in the near future. They place dozens of boxes in each category of the garbage disposal facilities. People need to put garbage into correct containers if different parts of an item belong to different categories.

WCAAD instructors take efforts in their daily teaching, cultivating children with the good habit of garbage sorting to improve the living environment and contribute to green and sustainable development. ​

Lei said introducing environment protection education into schools is crucial for the next generation. Reading materials and drawing materials catering to children should enter kindergartens, primary schools and middle schools to help students develop the habit of garbage sorting and recycling at a young age. ​