Kids taught to waste not, want not

BY JOSH TAYLOR
A new schools-based waste program is making students think about the environment in every aspect of their day, from the classroom to the playground.
The idea is to minimise the amount of waste schools produce as well as educate students about waste management techniques, according to council.
The scheme is part of the Sustainable Schools NSW initiative, a joint venture from all levels of government ‘ the City of Sydney, the NSW Department of Education and Training and the Federal Department of Environment and Climate Change.
“Schools develop waste minimisation and resource recovery actions to suit their needs,” a council spokesperson said. “The educational programs cover such areas as resource recovery, composting, worm farming, and other waste related topics.”
While many schools already have waste management and environmental programs in place, the new council initiative aims to create a “local school sustainability network where teachers can get together and share their knowledge, skills and experience about sustainability projects undertaken in their school.” the spokesperson said.
“This way schools and the city can mentor, support and learn from one another.’
A Department of Education and Training spokesperson said: “Ultimo have a frog pond, Paddington Public has water tanks and Sydney Girls High entered a DVD into an environment competition. But through the networks, teachers will be able to share what they’ve learnt with one another.”
“Teachers can build a community together, share their knowledge and hold joint information evenings to better educate staff and students in environmental awareness”, the spokesperson said.
Environmental initiatives can come at a costly price, and often at a price many schools cannot afford. But according to the council, the program offers grants and funding to help schools out with any costs that they may incur.
“Grants are available for schools through a number of organisations which can meet the infrastructure costs for projects such as establishing a food garden,’ the council spokesperson said.
The Department of Education and Training said that while some of the funds would be provided by the City of Sydney, a large portion would come from the $425m funding laid out for school environment initiatives across Australia by the Federal Government aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
In addition to this, the Council will also provide training in evaluating how a school conducts waste management through the use of audits.
“The City’s Waste Education Team can also assist schools with waste audits and assist schools to develop actions for a School Environment Management Plan (SEMP)”, the council spokesperson said.
“SEMP audits cover waste, biodiversity, energy and water.” he said. “For example, a waste audit will involve a days worth of waste being set aside and then investigated by the students, who then develop recommendations based on what materials are present in the waste stream.”
Schools from the council area have been invited to attend the training evening held by the Sydney City Council and the Department of Education and Training on Wednesday November 28.
‘ www.sustainableschools.nsw.edu.au