Final answer:
Green schools provide a healthier learning environment through clean air and water, natural foods, and outdoor activities, leading to improved academic performance and decreased absenteeism. The benefits also include positive economic impacts and the intangible satisfaction of well-being for students.
Step-by-step explanation:
Schools offering healthier learning environments, known as green schools, provide clean air and water, natural foods, use of nontoxic cleaners, and increased outdoor activities. Studies suggest that these schools see an improvement in academic performance and a decrease in absenteeism.
The World Health Organization highlights the importance of the physical school environment as an essential component of a health-promoting school, contributing to the overall wellness and learning capacity of students.
Benefits of a Green School Environment include healthier, longer-living individuals and economic advantages for industries like farming, fishing, and tourism. Clean environments also raise property values and offer intangible satisfactions from living or studying in such locales.
For students with health conditions like asthma, the cleaner air can reduce absenteeism and hospital visits, potentially leading to better academic outcomes.
Impact on Academic Performance and Absenteeism: By providing a nurturing environment, green schools often see a rise in attendance and participation. School feeding programs directly improve enrollment, but the real benefits come from the healthier environment that supports the overall well-being of students.
This well-being translates into improved physical and psychological health, leading to enhanced focus, fewer health-related absences, and a greater capacity to participate in learning activities.
Furthermore, the sense of identity and connection with a community through outdoor activities and community gardening contributes to psychological well-being and improved quality of life, with positive effects on academic performance.