The COVID-19 pandemic changed how the world thinks about online learning.
While there are pros and cons to virtual learning, the environmental benefits of online learning are well documented and should be considered as our educational landscape evolves.
Here are 6 remarkable environmental benefits of online learning. We also include a special offer to save on school and office supplies!
6 Environmental Benefits of Online Learning
1. Reduces Pollution and Emissions from Transportation
According to Bloomberg, nearly 60% of students take a car to school. That daily driving results in heightened levels of pollution and emissions.
Studies have shown that virtual learning can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 148 pounds each semester!
Online learning is a win-win. It reduces transportation, saves time, and helps the planet.
2. Reduces Energy Consumption
Second, online learning reduces the energy consumption to power large school buildings.
Schools use a lot of electricity for technology, lighting, and heating/cooling systems. Typical higher-education buildings consume about $100,000 worth of energy per year
Again, the environmental benefits of online learning are often two-fold. Reducing energy consumption can save the school district money while decreasing its carbon footprint.
3. Decreases Paper Waste and Saves Trees
Perhaps the biggest environmental benefit of online learning is the decrease in paper waste.
Did you know that a typical school uses about 2,000 sheets of paper per day? That is about one tree per week!
Online learning primarily relies on digital documents. Textbooks and assignments are completed electronically. As a result, less paper is used, and more trees are saved.
4. Saves Natural Resources Such as Water
Schools also require a lot of water.
According to the EPA, the largest uses of water in educational facilities are restrooms, landscaping, heating/cooling, and cafeteria kitchens.
Of course, students will still use water while learning remotely. But hopefully it is a lot less than a commercial building such as a school or university.
5. Reduces Plastic Waste
Similarly, reducing plastic waste is a significant benefit of online learning.
A lot of plastic waste is generated from the cafeteria during mealtimes.
Oklahoma State University reports that one school-aged student who uses disposable lunch products creates 67 pounds of waste during a nine-month school year.
Although students still eat at home, one of the benefits to online learning is that it could reduce the need for disposable lunch products such as plastic bags and plastic water bottles.
6. Reduces Food Waste
Lastly, online learning can reduce a large amount of food waste.
It is estimated that U.S. schools waste 530,000 tons of food per year. Studies show that menu planning contributes to food waste in schools.
For instance, cafeterias must purchase certain types of food, such as baked beans or peas, to meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines. However, the children don’t eat the food, so it is thrown away.
Source: Penn State University
This is not only a humanitarian issue, but also an environmental issue. Wasting food means wasting the resources that were used to prepare the food.
Wasted food also produces greenhouse gases. When food is thrown in the landfill it produces methane. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that is stronger than carbon dioxide.
Online learning can reduce food waste by reducing the use of cafeterias.
Potential Downsides to Online Learning
However, there are potential downsides to reducing food waste via online learning.
Many households rely on free or reduced school lunch to combat food insecurity. Virtual schools would need to find a scalable and eco-friendly way to deliver meals to their students.
Conclusion
Although online learning cannot completely replace in-person education, using it as a supplement to traditional learning can dramatically reduce our environmental impact.
What are your thoughts on the environmental benefits of online learning? Let us know in the comments section below!
