Sustainability

ResourceSmart Schools

Our School is Becoming ResourceSmart! This year our school is taking action towards environmental sustainability through a Victorian Government initiative called ResourceSmart Schools.

ResourceSmart Schools is a program that helps our school embed sustainability in everything we do. Working in partnership with students, staff and broader community the aim is to reduce our resource use by reducing waste, water and energy consumption along with increasing biodiversity by improving indigenous plantings and native habitat.

We are working with CERES Environment Park to work through modules related to Waste, Energy, Water and Biodiversity.

In line with our school's strategic plan for a connected community, sustainability remains a key focus. Some   of  our achievements  to  date   include   establishing  a  passionate  ‘Green Team’,   implementing

Waste Management Systems, whole school Recycle soft plastic collection and conducting biodiversity audits.

We can’t wait to share our achievements with you and hope you will join us in helping our school reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a sustainable future for all. 

BACK TO SCHOOL SUSTAINABILITY TIPS:

1. School lunches
2. Encourage kids to make their own lunch and use containers suited to nude food to reduce the need for single-use plastic or aluminium foil wrapping. Making your own lunchbox snacks will also helps cut back on food waste by using up wilting fruit and veg.
3. Reusable wraps
4. Reusable beeswax wraps can replace plastic cling wrap for sandwiches and snacks. They can be bought online, at markets or homewares stores, or get the kids involved and learn how to make your own. Look for an online tutorial, or check available courses run through local neighbourhood houses or community centres.
5. Cut down on packaging
6. Buy larger containers when purchasing drinks and yoghurts and decant into a reusable drink bottle or container to reduce single serve packaging.
7. Make homemade snacks
8. Despite what they say, kids will find time for an activity if they are inspired. Kill boredom and build their life skills by teaching them to make their own muesli bars, banana bread, and muffins. You'll also end up saving oodles of plastic packaging waste.
9. Get more value from food
10. Visit the Love Food Hate Waste website for great recipe ideas that use last night’s leftovers in exciting ways for school (and work) lunches. Enter the Love a List challenge to reduce your food bills and waste through a simple meal plan and shopping list.
11. Sustainable sipping
12. Bring a water bottle that can be refilled throughout the day!
13. Transport
14. Walking or riding to school helps improve fitness and confidence while saving fuel, reducing vehicle pollution and congestion at the school gate. If home is further away, then parents can park a short distance from the school and walk the rest of the way with the kids and use it as an opportunity to teach road rules.