The project aimed to promote sustainable tourism in the region, and WOW was born out of this initiative.
The Birth of WOW
The idea for WOW was conceived by a group of students who were part of the Portlaoise Travel Cluster Project. They were tasked with developing a project that would showcase the unique attractions and experiences of Portlaoise and its surrounding areas. The students were encouraged to think creatively and come up with innovative ideas that would appeal to tourists. The students brainstormed and came up with the concept of a walking tour that would take participants on a journey through the town and its surroundings.
“It’s not just for the environmentally conscious, it’s for anyone who wants to make a difference,” he said. “It’s a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and it’s a fantastic way to show your community that you care about the environment.”
The Benefits of a WOW Day
A WOW day is not just about walking to school and work; it’s about making a positive impact on the environment. By participating in a WOW day, individuals can contribute to reducing carbon emissions, promoting sustainable transportation, and supporting local businesses. Reduces carbon emissions: By walking or cycling to school and work, individuals can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Promotes sustainable transportation: WOW days encourage the use of environmentally friendly modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, or using public transport. Supports local businesses: By choosing to walk or cycle to school and work, individuals can support local businesses and contribute to the local economy.
The Impact on the Community
A WOW day can have a significant impact on the community, not just for the environment, but also for the participants themselves.
The students came up with a plan to invite Santa Claus to visit their town and have him walk through the town with the students, spreading holiday cheer and promoting the town-wide WOW launch. The students also suggested that they would invite the local businesses to participate in the event by providing them with free promotional materials and encouraging them to display their products in the town square.
The Town-Wide WOW Launch
The town-wide WOW launch was a collaborative effort between the four secondary schools and the local community.
Reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly transportation options with the Green-Schools Travel theme.
The Green-Schools Travel Theme
The Green-Schools Travel theme is a program designed to promote sustainable travel practices among students and pupils. The program is part of the Green-Schools initiative, a nationwide program that aims to reduce the environmental impact of schools.
The climate change forums were held in 2019 and 2020, and were attended by over 100 schools across Ireland.
The Climate Change Forums: Building Community and Fostering Action
The climate change forums, held in 2019 and 2020, were a groundbreaking initiative by Laois County Council to engage schools across Ireland in the fight against climate change. The forums provided a platform for schools to share their experiences, ideas, and concerns about climate change, and to learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
The Benefits of Community Engagement
The forums were instrumental in fostering a sense of community among the schools, which was a key outcome of the initiative. As Karen Moore, the community climate action officer, noted, “The forums were so helpful to the schools in giving them a sense of community.” This sense of community was crucial in motivating schools to take action on climate change. Key benefits of community engagement: + Fosters a sense of community among schools + Encourages sharing of experiences and ideas + Provides a platform for learning from each other’s successes and challenges
The Impact of the Forums on Climate Change Action
The climate change forums had a significant impact on the schools’ actions on climate change. Many schools reported that the forums inspired them to take action on climate change, such as implementing sustainable practices, reducing energy consumption, and promoting eco-friendly behaviors.
