#Japan #Tokyo #SDGs #Tetra Pak #environmental education

Introduction

Japan Tetra Pak, a leading supplier of food processing equipment and paper packaging systems, is continuing its commitment to environmental education by offering a unique educational resource titled "What We Can Do for the Earth: The Secrets of a Milk Carton". This year, they plan to distribute this material for free to 500 elementary schools across Japan.

Background on the Educational Material

The material, which has been selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology for the 2024 academic year, garnered significant interest in the previous year, receiving applications from 499 schools. Starting from April 30, 2025, the registration for the new batch of schools will open, allowing more students to benefit from this initiative.

Why This Matters

This initiative is motivated by the pressing need to educate younger generations about environmental issues. With climate change becoming an increasingly urgent concern, Japan Tetra Pak aims to make complex topics more relatable for children. By focusing on everyday items, specifically milk cartons, the organization seeks to instill a sense of personal responsibility towards the environment.

Positive Feedback from Participating Schools

In a survey conducted with schools that used the material last year, more than 90% of respondents rated the program as "very good" or "good". Some of the key points highlighted in their feedback include:

1. Alignment with Curriculum: The materials are well-suited for science education directives and seamlessly integrate into existing lesson plans.
2. Relevance to Daily Life: Students found the connection between milk cartons and environmental issues particularly impactful, sparking a genuine interest in recycling and sustainability.
3. Behavioral Change: Teachers noted a noticeable shift in student attitudes towards environmental stewardship, with many students taking initiative to learn more about SDGs and sustainability.

Structure of the Educational Package

The educational materials include a set of resources designed to engage both students and teachers effectively:

• - Video Material (approx. 12 minutes): This visually appealing video explains the secrets behind milk cartons and their environmental impact.
• - Student Booklet: A child-friendly booklet containing additional information and activities relevant to the video content.
• - Teacher's Guide: A comprehensive guide that outlines lesson plans and provides worksheets for practical application.

Learning Outcomes

Students will delve into crucial topics such as:

• - The causes and effects of global warming.
• - The role of renewable resources like plant-based polyethylene (derived from sugarcane) in reducing environmental impact.
• - The manufacturing process of milk cartons and insights into recycling systems.

These resources aim to empower students to think critically about their daily behaviors and how they can contribute positively to the environment.

How to Get Involved

Schools interested in this program can apply by filling out necessary details such as school name, contact person, required number of booklets, and delivery address via fax or email. Due to limited availability, this initiative operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so early registration is encouraged.

Engaging Future Leaders

Japan Tetra Pak is not just stopping with distributing materials. They also conduct outreach programs and run special websites designed to make learning about cartons and recycling enjoyable and engaging. Future generations are vital in the fight for a sustainable planet, and these educational efforts aim to equip them with the knowledge and mindset needed to protect our environment.

About Japan Tetra Pak

Founded in Sweden in 1951, Tetra Pak has become a global leader in food processing and packaging solutions, operating in over 160 countries. With a workforce of more than 24,000 employees, Tetra Pak is committed to ensuring food safety and sustainability in its operations. Recently, they have also announced their role as a platinum sponsor for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, showcasing efforts towards sustainable food packaging and practices.

By focusing on engaging educational materials that resonate with students, Japan Tetra Pak demonstrates the importance of environmental education and the role that even small actions can play in making a significant impact on our planet.