SCHOOL WASTE MINIMISATION

To have students leading community action towards zeor waste to landfill in 2040.

July 2023 to June 2024

May – June 2023
Invitation to schools to register to be a waste minimising school.
June – July 2023
Supporting new schools to do an Initial Waste Audit.
August – September 2023
Collating new and original schools action plans.
August – December 2023
Processing school applications for funds for waste minimisation infrastructure and set up/action started. Local Board funding for waste infrastructure to enable well informed committed young people (supported by their teachers and principals) to lead change in school waste management they want to see, in storm water drains, on beaches, in student’s homes, and community.
February- June 2024
Getting feedback photos and stories regarding new systems implemented.
May – June 2024
Capturing final audits to compare results
June 2024
Celebration event at a local school, to acknowledge our waste minimisation schools achievements in reducing waste and carbon emissions.

Reduced waste and litter in these schools by approximately 40 % or more per annum. This difference allows students to feel hopeful about the future of our whenua and enhance relationship with local board.
Less contamination in schools’ waste systems as students and teachers are educated on developing effective systems for sorting waste with the assistance of waste and compost facilitators.
Students and teachers understanding how to refuse packaging and challenge consumer practice. For example, pledging to take cloth bags etc.
Schools understand how these actions also impact climate change and grow understanding of other low carbon actions through the Carbon Accounting project.
Community collaboration through combined workshops and education from schools on compost, worm farms, bokashi and mulching green waste allows schools to share successful actions and learn from each other.
Reduced waste in Howick Local Board area through student inquiry/action to divert waste from landfill (original and new schools measuring waste with audits prior and post action).
Knowledge shared with whanau which leads to a reduction in household waste to landfill and reduction in greenhouse gases.
Schools maintain these practices overtime as they become a habit. Many are Enviroschools, whose understanding of Māori perspectives is enhanced through Enviroschools framework, students learn about Māori perspectives, Matauranga Māori world view and Tikanga (caring for Papatuanuku).