Moonee Valley City Council, Victoria, is offering local schools the chance to reduce their expenses and wipe out waste for good in a brand new program.
Wipe out Waste provides free expert advice, curriculum support and resources to help schools reduce waste and get students involved in hands-on environmentally friendly activities.
Mayor John Sipek said children are the key to building a greener future, and encouraging good practices at school and at home could lead to great change.
“Council is passionate about supporting schools to reduce their waste and this is one way to help students make changes they’ve learned at school in their homes, and throughout their lives.
“By taking part in this program, schools can not only save money but also encourage children to adopt sustainable attitudes that they carry on with them well after school.”
The program started this year, with participating schools receiving litter and waste audits to learn more about where waste is coming from.
A professional development session and one-on-one expert advice were given to develop a waste action plan.
Resources were then made available to implement the action plans such as recycling bins, compost systems, signage and worm farms.
Fun activities include a waste school incursion by CERES and combined schools graduation ceremony.
Students have the potential to lower their school’s waste disposal expenses if resources are used correctly.
Planning and Environment portfolio holder Cr Nicole Marshall said the program is a win-win for schools.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and best of all it’s free. We had so much interest in the program that we currently have 11 Moonee Valley schools participating to help wipe out waste for good.”
