Local primary schools will battle it out for the title of the ‘Greenest School’, in Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett’s Cleaner Greener Schools Project.
Mr Bennett has partnered with Green Solutions, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers, and the Surfing Scientist Ruben Meerman to deliver the Cleaner Greener Schools Project during Term 3.
After a two-year hiatus, Mr Bennett said he’s thrilled to bring the program back to promote waste minimalisation and healthy habits.
“Students will be looking at lots of different ways to not just reduce, reuse and recycle, but also around health literacy and soil health,” he said.
“We are lucky to live in paradise here in the Burnett which is why it’s important we all do our part to look after our environment.
“I want to encourage young people within the Bundaberg and Burnett electorates to positively engage with their local environment and wildlife.
“This active engagement can come in many forms and the more I have connected with our local organisations and groups, the more I have discovered.
“I’ve teamed up with Green Solutions and Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers to promote their Sustainable Schools Initiative and Pick of the Crop Program.
“I’ve also been lucky enough to work with the Surfing Scientist Ruben Meerman who has helped me develop a Minerals Chart that will be delivered to all participating schools as well as a worm farm!
“The aim of the chart and worm farm is to generate discussions around where our food comes from and what it is made up of, to intern improve the health literacy of our community.
“I’m also giving each participating student a packet of vegetable seeds to help spark further conversations with friends and family at home.”
Eight schools across the region are participating in this year’s project: Sharon State School, Burnett Heads State School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Bargara State School, Wallaville State School, Wartburg State School, and Discovery Coast Christian College.
Schools are encouraged promote recycling, composting, healthy eating, and make a pledge to reduce/ban one single use plastic product in the school’s canteen, tuckshop, or at events.
Each school is given a worm farm, vegetable seeds for participating students, opportunities to tour Green Solutions and take part in their Sustainable Schools Initiative.
The winning school will receive a demonstration from the Surfing Scientist Ruben Meerman, a Health Literacy Project resources pack valued at over $1000, BFVG Nude Food containers, Pick of the Crop bags, and the coveted perpetual turtle trophy!
ENDS.
27/07/2022