SUSTAINABILITY 

Reuse  - Reduce - Recycle

As the school year comes to an end, we have been asking an important question, 'what happens to all of our stationery and learning supplies when the year is over?' Our pencil cases are filled with all kinds of pens, textas and highlighters that have been used for important work. Some things are at the end of their life, and while others are well loved, but still ok to keep using. Rather than letting unused or leftover items go to waste, we are taking action to collect, sort, and repurpose them in creative and sustainable ways.

We are working together to gather extra pencils, markers, books, folders, and art materials. These items are being reused for lunch clubs, shared as extra classroom supplies, or sent for recycling where possible. It’s a simple but meaningful way to care for our environment and reduce unnecessary waste. 

By rethinking how we use and reuse our resources, we’re learning that small actions can make a big difference. Our goal for the future is to create a regular end-of-year collection program, so that every item has a purpose, whether it’s supporting student activities, helping other classes, or protecting our planet. Sustainability starts with us, and we’re proud to be taking steps toward a cleaner, more resourceful school community.

While we plan to reuse and recycle within our school, The Mornington Peninsula Shire is also keen to help schools across the Peninsula to cut down on waste, by collecting any unused or ‘like new’ excess stationery and taking them to the volunteer parents who run ‘Project Stationery’. 

Last year, the Environmental Education team at the Shire and Project Stationery collected 1405 exercise books and 2019 coloured pencils amongst other things. It is awesome to see our local government working hard to create these inititives and support sustainability in our schools. 

As always, our shared mission is to reduce waste at the source and toplan ahead to minimise stationery waste altogether.