New programme to transform school waste systems

Published 30 April 2018

Free sustainability programme for primary and intermediate schools in Wellington

Environmental education in schools has been a core focus for our educators since 2003. Children and young people have inspired us to stay curious about what is in our waste, and what solutions can help reduce what we toss so we can save our environment.

Sadly, children and schools are often held back from meaningful change by current, inadequate waste systems. So many schools across the region have just one skip collecting ‘rubbish’ that is all set for the landfill. Even if they knew what to do, the barriers seem too high to overcome.

That’s why we are delighted to announce the launch of a new programme – YSS.

It builds on our waste audit and behaviour change expertise, to provide a complete waste minimisation package, from frameworks to resources, measurement tools to curriculum-linked educational programmes.

To make this even more attractive to schools, the programme is fully funded and may even include a financial contribution per school to help pay for the set-up costs for best practice waste systems e.g. signage, waste stations and compost bins.

We’re seeking 45 primary/intermediate/integrated schools to get involved – 15 schools in terms three and four 2018, and 30 in 2019.

The programme will be developed in partnership with Enviroschools and tailored to each school we work with. It will be accessible to all primary, intermediate and integrated primary/intermediate schools in the Wellington region (not just Enviroschools).