Children's miles - Little climate protectors on the move
Children are leading the way: while "the big ones" are still negotiating about the climate, "the little ones" are active and collecting Green Footprints in districts, cities and municipalities to protect the global climate.
A Look Back at the 2025 Kindermeilen Campaign
On October 1, 2026, certificates were presented to the students of the participating elementary schools at Laubenheim Elementary School by Janina Steinkrüger, Head of the Environment and Transportation Department, and Ata Delbasteh, Head of the Education Department.
In 2026, approximately 1,800 students collected nearly 15,000 “Kindermeilen” (car-free trips to school).
Eight elementary schools participated in the “Kindermeilen” campaign weeks:
- Pestalozzi School
- Feldberg Elementary School
- An den Römersteinen Elementary School
- Mainz-Laubenheim Elementary School
- Heinrich-Mumbächer School
- Brunnenschule
- Am Lemmchen Elementary School
- Mainz-Lerchenberg Elementary School
What is the Kids' Miles Campaign?
Through fun and physical activity, children explore their own mobility, delve into topics such as nutrition, energy consumption, and climate justice, and earn “Green Miles” for a symbolic climate journey around the world.
Since 2002, the Kindermeilen campaign has been helping children across Europe learn about the impact of their daily lives on the climate and encouraging them to serve as role models for their parents and climate policymakers. In the Mainz metropolitan area, elementary schools have been participating in the project since its inception.
What do they do?
For at least one week, the children collect so-called “Green Miles” for every trip they make on foot, by bike, or by public transportation, as well as for other environmentally friendly behaviors such as eating locally sourced food.
Who can participate?
In Mainz and across Europe, school classes and preschoolers aged six to twelve can once again participate in the “Kindermeilen” campaign this year.
How long can Green Miles be collected?
You can choose any time for the campaign week. The “Kindermeilen” campaign ends every year in October, when the Climate Alliance presents all the “Green Miles” to policymakers at the UN Climate Conference.
How does the Department of Green and Environmental Affairs provide support?
Has interest been sparked, and does a school class or daycare group want to hold a “Kindermeilen” action week? If so, Johanna Schlosser, who is responsible for environmental information and education, is here to help.
- Register by email or phone
- Materials are provided free of charge
- Advice and brainstorming
- If needed, help getting the campaign week off to a good start
- Collected “Green Miles” will be accepted by the Director of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Parks and the Environment
Contact us
Address
Environmental Information and Education Division
Grün- und Umweltamt, Haus B
Room121
Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 4
55131 Mainz
Postal address
55028 Mainz