Innovative climate projects: MS Andau students discover sustainability

Innovative climate projects: MS Andau students discover sustainability

In the last school year, the NAWI group from the Andau middle school took part in an exciting project of the climate and energy model region Neusiedler See, Seewinkel. Under the motto "Seewinkel goes green! Regional, seasonal - it doesn't matter!" Various events and activities were organized that introduced students to important aspects of sustainability. The first highlight was a bike tour to Wallern in October, where the students visited Erwin Unger's business. There they learned a lot about sustainable rice production. But not only that, afterwards there was also a delicious snack with products made from Unger's green rice.

Another interesting event took place in December. The seminar farmer Helga Bruckner visited the school to talk to the students in two workshops about “shopping regionally” and “healthy, sustainable cooking”. The students prepared a beef burger together using ingredients from local businesses, which was an exciting and educational experience for many.

Experience sustainability up close

In March the group visited Josef Göltl's Mangalitza pigs in Podersdorf. There they gained insights into sustainable livestock breeding and were able to learn how important it is for animals to be self-sufficient by growing their own feed plants. This taught the students about the importance of small farms.

A special experience awaited the group in April when they visited the wind farm in Bruck an der Leitha. The brave students climbed the wind turbine to enjoy a fantastic view from a height of 70 meters. The impressive highlights of the excursion also included a visit to a small hydroelectric power plant and a large photovoltaic system.

Commitment to climate protection

A brilliant highlight of the school year was the sponsored run as part of the Spring Festival. The students, who called themselves “gladiators,” collected an impressive 1,501 euros for an Austrian climate project. The event was attended by numerous parents, relatives and sponsors who cheered on the runners. Sausages from Joe Göltl and the Karlo butcher shop provided food, while various wines from the region could be tasted.

The last stop on the climate trip took the students to Secret Bike Hafner in Frauenkirchen, where they were able to learn everything about repairing bicycles in a practical seminar. This included disassembling, assembling and pumping up their bikes, giving the students valuable skills for the future.

Overall, the project was of great value to the students and promoted a deep understanding of ecological issues, regional products and the responsibility that each individual has for the environment. For further information and exciting reports on this topic, see the current reporting on www.meinkreis.at.