Moolap Primary Eco-Action Team shines in national sustainability competition

WASTE audits, random waste collection ‘Emu Bobs’ and a ‘Nude Food’ program were just some of the ways Moolap Primary earned recognition for their efforts in Coles’ Sustainability4Schools competition.

Moolap Primary School’s ‘Eco-Action Team’ was recognised for its efforts in Coles’ nationwide Sustainability4Schools competition, as Coles celebrated its 10-year partnership with recycling organisation REDcycle.

The Coles Sustainability4Schools program was first launched in May this year and was open to all Australian primary schools.

Schools that participated were required to explain how they were committed to protecting the environment.

Moolap Primary was awarded a ‘buddy bench’ made from 98 per cent recycled plastic provided by Coles, as did 80 other schools across Australia.

Principal of Moolap Primary School Peter Knight was ecstatic about the school being recognised for his students’ efforts, particularly from the Eco-Action Team.

“Our Year 3-6 ‘Eco-Action Team’ help raise awareness in our students at an early age. Students participate in this group on a weekly basis which includes senior students as Eco Leaders,” Mr Knight said.

“They are responsible for the care of the grounds, hand watering of some of our plants, maintenance of the wicking beds and vertical garden outside the vegetable garden, litter control and worm farms.

“The Eco-Action Team organise waste audits, random ‘Emu Bobs’ (waste collection by students) and monitor our ‘Nude Food’ program, encouraging students with ‘waste free lunches’.”

According to Prep teacher and key member of the school’s Eco-Action Team Laura Blackwell, she says their sustainability program continues to evolve.

In addition to their original grade 3-6 members, there are now two eco-leaders in every class from P-6 onwards.

The team also formally meets once per month where students bring forward any ideas or environmental issues that they think need attention.

“We also have a garden club once a week which is open to any students that wish to join in on the day and complete small jobs around our yard,” Ms Blackwell said.

“I am very proud of our students for the ideas they have and the passion they bring to the eco action team.”

Coles general manager Kirsty Davis said Coles would continue to drive sustainability forward for the next generation and wanted to reward schools for playing their part in protecting the environment.

“As part of Coles’ ‘Together to Zero’ strategy, we want to work with organisations like REDcycle and local schools to reduce waste and drive generational sustainability,” she said.

“School kids across Australia have inspired us with their innovative and proactive ways to protect the environment and we want to reward and recognise their efforts by providing them with a bench made from recycled plastic.”

In 2018, Moolap Primary School’s landfill per student was 0.54 cubic metres. In 2021, their landfill per student has been reduced to 0.25 cubic metres per student highlighting their progress over the years.