Students from North Haven Public School will be the first in the region to jump aboard an environmental initiative
from today.
The school will be getting a visit from the State’s leading face-to-face mobile environmental education program,
Waste Watchers.
Sixteen local schools in the region will be taught over 15 days this term.
Waste Watchers is a Keep Australia Beautiful NSW initiative to teach students environmental management skills through interactive workshops.
The program was launched in 1996 and is expected to reach a milestone this year, when half a million children in NSW
will have participated.
Peter McLean, Chief Executive Officer of Keep Australia Beautiful NSW, said the workshops are an important component of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s overall strategy to increase environmental awareness in local students.
“This is the third consecutive year that Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has hosted Waste Watchers and their continued participation not only represents a responsible approach to environmental management but also a dedication to passing on their knowledge and passion by teaching children how to minimise their environmental footprint,” Mr
McLean said.
“The workshops are developed specifically for children and include fun games and quizzes that help kids learn about the small but significant steps they can take to help keep Australia beautiful.
“The children take these vital messages home, which can help influence a family’s perceptions concerning the environment as well as encouraging them to implement environmental solutions — such as investing in a water tank and recycling water – in
the home.”
Schools in Port Macquarie-Hastings have a choice of two Waste Watchers modules — Wide World of Waste and Mechanics of Organics.
Today Thursday, March 24 Waste Watchers will visit North Haven Public School for the hands-on module Mechanics of Organics, which teaches students fundamental lessons about disposal of the organic waste they generate both at home and school, such as the use of food scraps as fertiliser instead of sending it
to landfill.
