Sustainability at school
 
You kids are the future, and where better to get off to a sustainable start than at school? It's the ideal place to learn about growing an edible garden filled with strawberries and other tasty treats.
 
Or to set up a worm farm and create instant school pets! If you need more inspiration organise a school visit to the Sustainable Living Centre.
 
 
No time to waste, let's get started…
 
Energy There are more than 2500 schools in New Zealand - just imagine how much power these schools are using in lighting alone. A simple conversion to eco bulbs (CFLs or LEDs) can make a world of difference.
 
Transport A huge number of kids get dropped at the school gates in their parents' cars. But simple steps such as setting up a rideshare schedule, or a walking school bus for smaller kids, could make a big impact on reducing our country's carbon emissions. Not to mention easing traffic congestion.
 
Get your school Water Wise. EcoMatters has audited 45 schools in Waitakere City for water use. Leaky taps are the tip of the iceberg. Ever thought how much water those constantly flushing urinals use? Tonnes… The Waterwise audits will help your school identify where it can save water and how to go about it.
 
Waste Just think of the thousands of school lunches consumed everyday. What's happening to the scraps? This is where a worm farm comes in handy. Visit the big one at Waitakere City Council - it's designed to deal with a large volume of food scraps. Or ask if your class can come to the Sustainable Living Centre and see smaller bins in action.
  • School rubbish bins can be divided into recycling, general rubbish, and food scraps for the worms.
  • Make an outfit made of trash - remember to wash it well first! Then enter 'Trash to Fashion' with your cool creation.
The ultimate green - Get your school to join Enviroschools, the biggest, greenest kids club in the country - then teach your parents all about it. This exciting nationwide green club provides heaps of help and advice for schools taking up the sustainability challenge. It's a great way to improve your school's green cred - and it could even win awards.
 
Cool projects Want to set up an organic garden or composting system at school? Keep Waitakere Beautiful Trust has a Schools Projects fund to assist.
 
Have a stream bordering the school property? You may be eligible for free stream restoration plants through Project Twin Streams.
 
 
 
 
 
What's on...
Event Calendar
 
 
 
Sustainability advisor Jacob Rawls demonstrates how to generate power to Chancery School Students
 
Centre Manager Therese shows worms to Otahuhu Intermediate School students