International Earth Day with Young Environmentalists in Zawiercie

As part of the International Earth Day celebrations on April 22, 2025, Primary School No. 1 named after Tadeusz Kościuszko in Zawiercie hosted another special meeting with the School Anti-Smog Team – an initiative established in 2024 by the eco-manager of the Municipality of Zawiercie. The event was not only an occasion to celebrate, but also an opportunity to reflect together on the condition of our planet and on how every individual – even the youngest – can have a real impact on its future.

The day began with a conversation with students about the importance of Earth in our lives and about everyday ways to care for it. Topics included air quality, the role of greenery in urban spaces, and the importance of responsible environmental behavior. After the presentation, the children received two quizzes from the eco-manager to assess their knowledge from previous sessions. Each participant did exceptionally well, answering all questions correctly – a clear sign that good ecological habits among young residents are key to our planet’s future.

Next, the students listened to a short story about Mr. Smoginski – a character who led an unhealthy and environmentally unfriendly lifestyle, which constantly made him sneeze. During a visit to the doctor, he received a prescription with the words: “CLEAN AIR! Unlimited dosage.” This message inspired Mr. Smoginski to change his habits and adopt a greener lifestyle, which significantly improved his health. The story captured the children's interest and opened the door to a broader discussion about the dangers of smog and the benefits of clean air.

The program continued with ecological workshops, where each child planted seeds in a flowerpot to take home and care for. These hands-on activities aimed to foster a sense of responsibility, patience, and sensitivity to nature – qualities that are essential in shaping environmentally conscious attitudes.

The final part of the event was the ceremonial planting of hydrangeas in the schoolyard, accompanied by a conversation about the importance of caring for plants and the natural environment around us. The discussion emphasized the value of greenery in public spaces and encouraged students to actively protect nature in their immediate surroundings.

This Earth Day meeting provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen ecological awareness and develop pro-environmental habits from an early age. Thanks to initiatives like this, young people in Zawiercie not only gain environmental knowledge but also learn how to apply it in their everyday lives.

Text and photos: Andrzej Gwóźdź, eco-manager of the Municipality of Zawiercie