Surabaya, a vibrant and bustling metropolis, presents both opportunities and challenges when it comes to sustainable living. At Surabaya European School (SES), we believe in empowering our pupils and families to make eco-conscious choices, fostering a generation of environmentally responsible citizens. This article offers practical tips tailored for Surabaya families, particularly those within the SES community, to embrace a greener lifestyle.  

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimising Waste in Surabaya

• Embrace Reusables: Say goodbye to single-use plastics! Encourage the use of reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and lunch containers. SES actively promotes this through its canteen and school events.
• Smart Shopping: Opt for products with minimal packaging and buy in bulk when possible. Explore Surabaya’s pasar tradisional (traditional markets) for fresh, unpackaged produce.
• Recycling Champions: Familiarise yourself with Surabaya’s recycling programmes. SES supports recycling initiatives within the school, and families can extend this practice at home.
• Composting: Consider composting food scraps and garden waste to reduce landfill contributions. This can be particularly beneficial for families.

2. Green Travel in Surabaya: Choosing Sustainable Transportation

• Embrace Public Transportation: Utilise Surabaya’s growing public transportation network, including buses and the Suroboyo Bus.  
• Walk and Cycle: Explore Surabaya’s pedestrian-friendly areas and cycling paths. SES encourages cycling to school where it is feasible and safe.  
• Carpooling: Arrange carpools with other SES families to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
• Plan Ahead: Combine errands to minimise trips and fuel consumption.  

3. Supporting Local and Sustainable Businesses in Surabaya

• Farmers Markets: Shop at Surabaya’s farmers markets for locally sourced produce, supporting local farmers and reducing transportation emissions.  
• Eco-Friendly Shops: Seek out businesses in Surabaya that prioritise sustainability, offering eco-friendly products and practices.  
• Ethical Consumption: Be mindful of the environmental and social impact of your purchases.

4. Conserving Energy and Water at Home

• Energy-Efficient Appliances: Invest in energy-saving appliances and light bulbs.
• Water Wise: Practice water conservation by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and using water-efficient appliances.
• Natural Light and Ventilation: Maximise natural light and ventilation to reduce reliance on air conditioning.
• Turn it Off: Make it a habit to switch off lights and appliances when not in use.  

5. Creating Green Spaces in Surabaya

• Balcony or Rooftop Gardens: Even in urban environments, create small green spaces with potted plants or vertical gardens.  
• Community Gardens: Participate in or support community garden initiatives in Surabaya.
• Explore Parks: Take advantage of Surabaya’s parks and green spaces for recreation and connecting with nature.

6. Community Engagement and Education

• Clean-Up Initiatives: Participate in community clean-up events in Surabaya.
• Sustainable School Supplies: Choose eco-friendly school supplies for your children. SES promotes the use of sustainable materials.
• Lead by Example: Children learn by observing. Model sustainable habits in your own daily life.
• Collaborate with SES: Support SES’s sustainability initiatives and encourage your children’s participation.

Surabaya European School: A Commitment to Sustainability

SES is committed to fostering a culture of sustainability within our school community. We empower our pupils and families to make environmentally responsible decisions through various initiatives, including:

• Curriculum Integration: Incorporating sustainability themes into our curriculum.
• Eco-Clubs: Providing opportunities for pupils to engage in environmental action.
• Waste Reduction Programmes: Implementing recycling and composting programmes within the school.
• Green School Initiatives: Continuously working to improve our school’s environmental footprint.

By working together, SES families and the wider Surabaya community can create a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for generations to come.