Osnovna šola Mladika

The challenge of reducing plastic bottle use at school is based on actively involving students, visually monitoring habits, and implementing concrete solutions to the problem.

First, we identified the key challenge: approximately 50% of students did not use their own water bottles, especially on sports days when they do not have constant access to water fountains. To assess the actual situation, we created a wooden model of a bottle with the motivational message “Water + Knowledge = Success; Don’t forget your water bottle!” Students participated by: choosing a color for a piece of wood (red = I don’t use a water bottle, blue = I use a water bottle), writing their name on it, and placing the piece on the model. This provided us with a visual and quantitative analysis of the situation (50% usage).

As a measure, in collaboration with the local company Talum Kidričevo, we ensured that all students received an aluminum water bottle, thereby removing a key barrier (access to equipment). The bottle model, placed in the cafeteria, serves as: a daily behavioral reminder, social proof (the visibility of peers’ decisions increases the likelihood of imitation).

Key impacts of the challenge: a potential reduction in the use of single-use plastic bottles by up to 50% or more, improved sustainable behavior among students, and greater awareness of the importance of hydration for health. The challenge combines environmental education, participatory learning, and behavior change, making it one of the most effective examples of sustainable practices in the school setting.