CDS have been working hard over the last few years to make our school more sustainable.
What we have been up to:
The Year 3 Sustainability squad
Students from Year 3 apply each year to be part of our Sustainability Squad. This squad works through the school promoting special sustainability events, collecting rubbish around the school premises, monitoring recycling bins, training classes on waste wise practices, and dressing up and presenting the Sustainability Awards at assembly.
Our Recycling Practices
At CDS we have recycling stations across the school. Each classroom has their own paper recycling bin, organic waste bin and 10c bottle and can bin.
Organic waste
Each classroom has a special bin that they use to collect all food scraps. These are then emptied into our school worm farm by our sustainability squad members. This worm farm holds thousands of worms that break down the school’s food scraps, saving tonnes of waste from landfill.
ACT Container Deposit Scheme
At CDS we collect poppers, cans, glass and plastic bottles. These recycling items are then taken by our Sustainability Squad down to the large purple container outside Charnwood Shops to be recycled. Each item we return earns 10c for our school. The funds raised are then put towards other sustainability initiatives around our school.
For more information on what can be recycled using the Container Deposit Scheme go to https://actcds.com.au/eligible-containers/
Collecting Leaf Litter
Last year CDS received a teapot shaped leaf cage. This is used to store fallen leaves and create valuable compost or mulch for garden beds.
Collecting leaf litter and turning it into a valuable resource for the school gardens also helps Canberra’s waterways by keeping it out of stormwater drains and lowers greenhouse gas emissions by keeping it out of landfill.
What else are we doing around the school?
- Teaching and learning around sustainable practices and the importance of sustainability
- Participating in events such as Earth Hour and World Environment Day.
- School garden – interested students enjoy working with our Youth Support Workers to plant, weed and harvest our school garden.
If you are interested in getting involved and helping us to become more sustainable, please contact us at info@charnwoodps.act.edu.au