From the Sustainability Team

Schools and families must work together to create a sustainable future for those that are most precious to us, our kids.

What can you do as an individual and as part of the MGC Family?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless, particularly in this uncertain climate we find ourselves in. While transitioning from fossil fuels takes action from governments and industry leaders, there are some things you can do as an individual and family to help us to our bit, as a school committed to reducing our ecological footprint:

1. Collectively we must keep fighting for action. Attend rallies, approach politicians, sign petitions (have you signed the Eco-friendly periods 4 Vic Schools petition? https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/council/petitions/electronic-petitions/view-e-petitions/details/12/278), be loud!
2. Support local businesses. Not only will it prevent huge emissions on freight, you’re helping someone just like you make a living. Bonus points if you support ethical and sustainable local businesses. 
3. Avoid single use. Buy a reusable mask, eat/drink in instead of taking away, find cafes that still accept keep cups. (We are finding heaps of single use masks chucked away in the school grounds). 
4. Plant trees, plant anything! Gardening has a myriad of benefits for your mental health and the environment. Not only is it super satisfying to nurture your own garden (even more so if you’re growing your own food), but plants literally eat CO2. 
5. Make small lifestyle changes. Eat less meat, take public transport or ride a bike, start composting, buy plastic free from markets and bulk food stores. Every little bit makes a difference.
6. If you can’t buy in bulk, buy the biggest packets you can in the Supermarkets and decant into small reusable containers. (There are heaps of reusable containers and drink bottles on site that we want to give away). Ask your child to see Ms McIntosh and come a grab as many as you want. 
7. Stop wrapping food that comes to school in glad wrap and zip lock bags. We find these all over the school. (It’s a real problem and no real need for it, when you can get containers from me). Not only does it look hideous, we’re so close to Yarra and if this stuff enters a waterway, it causes considerable damage to wildlife and it eventually enters the bay. 

We all have a part to play in our post-pandemic recovery for ourselves, our communities and for nature. At the risk of sounding like every pandemic related piece of correspondence out there, we really are in it together (or simultaneously at least). Schools and families must work together to create a sustainable future for those that are most precious to us, our kids. 

Healthy ecosystem = Healthy economy. 

We can’t have the later without the former. 

Paula McIntosh

MGC Sustainability Team.