Sustainability Corner

Not Even a Touch of Rain Dampened the Vibe at Our First Market Stall Last Week

Thank you again to our sustainability leaders who helped get the bundles together and helped sell in such a personable, friendly and capable way. 

Lee’s muffins were again well received, and Rob (garden and construction expert) was thrilled with the abundance of rhubarb that we hope has made its way into a cheeky rhubarb and apple crumble. 

Feijoas, gratefully donated by a parent, were a curious fruit, tried for the first time by some and clearly already adored by many in our community. 

Spotlight on SOPHIE

This fortnight we turn the spotlight onto Sophie, another inspired human on the Student Sustainability leadership team.  

She’s been on there for two years and has a lot of heart and passion for making a difference. 

What is your favourite movie? 

Frozen because it’s mystical and magical. 

What is your Favourite food? 

I love all pasta but probably my favourite is Mum’s bolognaise.  She makes it for camping when it’s all cold and after a day of eating just snacks, we’re really ready for it- it’s so yum. 

Favourite place in nature? 

The beach - I love surfing and boogie boarding as well. I also love looking at rock pools, they’re natures little habitats. 

Who inspires you to care about the planet?

David Attenborough because his birthday is the same day as mine and he’s an icon for everybody who wants to help the planet.  

Why did you choose to be part of the Sustainability Leadership Group at Ripponlea?

I want to impact changes in the school which overall will then make the planet better

What's one thing you already do to help the environment?

I reuse things such as when I do craft, I don’t just buy all new things, we use older stuff. My sister and I think about creative ways to reuse the boxes that come into our house. 

If you could change one thing at our school to make it more sustainable, what would 

it be?

Getting the compost caddies back into classrooms. We’ve had them before - but I think we need to get them back and have a more hands on, supported way to maintain them. 

What's the one unique quality you have that helps you make a difference?

My perseverance. Also, I’m a natural leader and can organise a team of people by doing things such as allocating tasks. It’s been great to work with Maddi, she’s a friend and we bounce ideas off each other - it’s great to work together. 

If you could whisper one thing into the ears of every ripper student in the school, what would you say …?”

“Before you do anything remember the environment… Take a pause… Think about the environment.   Like, if you have plastic - put it in the right bin. “ 

On that note, here’s a one percenter that can make a big impact. 

Takeaway coffee cups!!! They’re lined with a plastic coating which makes them not a recyclable item. 

Also, using a Ceramic cup only need to be reused 39 times, a plastic cup 17 times and a glass cup or jar 15 times to match the energy efficiency of plastic-lined paper cups. 

So, if you remember your reusable cup often and use it for a long time that’s the tiny pause and action that makes big impact. 

Until next newsletter, let’s definitely follow Sophie’s whisper.