OZGREEN’s “Rethink Waste” schools project has inspired the students of Boambee and Crossmaglen public schools who have researched and developed “waste-busting” products and initiatives to protect the environment.
With the Coffs Harbour New England Road landfill nearing capacity, the Rethink Waste Schools project, funded by the City of Coffs Harbour with support from MidWaste and The Big Banana, helped students turn ideas into action.
Boambee Public School introduced composting, reusable wraps for every student, eye-catching bin signage, and organic waste caddies in all classrooms.
Crossmaglen Public School ran a Lunchbox Champions Challenge, upcycled old tyres into drums, gifted a beeswax wrap to each family and produced music and media to share their message.
According to both schools, these projects have diverted waste from landfill, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and built waste literacy and environmental leadership skills in students and the community.
“The kids are really invested in the program because it feels like it’s something bigger than their school,” said Boambee teacher Cheree Watt.
“This program was really good, and it helped our school to learn about how to reduce waste,” a participating student said.
“It was so much fun, and it helps the environment,” added another.
OzGREEN Co-CEO Kathleen Hannah said that equipping young people to lead waste-reduction projects creates lasting changemakers who can help build a zero-waste future.
OzGREEN has created two videos featuring students from both schools, capturing their journey in waste.
“Our hope is that people can draw inspiration from these videos and… rethink their own waste habits,” Ms Hannah said.
The videos can be found on OzGreen’s website by searching the name of each school.
By Andrea FERRARI
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