4.5 kg of batteries were brought by schoolchildren for further recycling. Students of the 8^th grade of Nikolskoye Village School gathered them for some time and then brought to the only batteries and mercury-vapor lamps collection spot on Bering Island, which is situated in the visit center of the Commander Islands Reserve. 

As a sign of our gratitude for their work, we granted the participants some souvenirs

Twice a year we conduct a campaign to collect all the used batteries on the island. Special containers for batteries collection are situated also in the Ethnocultural Center and shops of Nikolskoye Village. All the collected batteries will be shipped to the main land for recycling.  

We also conduct regular meetings in the Eco Room and talk about the importance of waste sorting, about harm of plastics and other ecological challenges. 

Educational programs in the Eco Room

These events are a part of the global ecological strategy called Green Commander Islands. The joint project of the Commander Islands Reserve and administration of the Aleut District was started in 2016. Our goal is to change the life of Nikolskoye Village and to direct it towards a greener and more sustainable way of life. 

Did you know that the used batteries are one of the most environmentally dangerous types of waste? After being thrown away, the batteries emit harmful elements such as lead, cadmium, mercury, nickel, zinc and alkalies. These chemicals poison soil, water, air and occupy 40% of all toxic substances, which leak to soil and ground waters from household wastes.  Undue recycling of toxic waste not only destroys ecosystems, but also may cause irreversible damage to our health, as all the heavy metals easily enter our bodies and stay there for years accumulating.