Saint Paul's a Rubbish Free School?

It has been evident to me that packaging has been increasing on foodstuffs during the past two decades. This has increased the amount of litter around school grounds and the associated removal. This term we have been looking hard as a school community at our responsibility to be 'stewards' of our environment. The question inevitably arises 'What can we do?' One thing we have asked the children to do is work toward a 'rubbish free' lunch to try and cut down on the amount of non-biodegradeable waste coming into the school.

Everyone agrees that packaging is an escalating problem but individually we add to the problem; particularly in the use of glad wrap for biscuits and even fruit!

I believe that the change to halt or slow the growth mountain of rubbish ( One rugby field 30 stories high every month) will only come from the grass roots. Pushing from below will take time but is effective.
The school's problem is being moved into the home as families empty foodstuffs like packet chippies into reusable containers. This will cause some hassles at home but will hopefully steer people toward better options. Some people have started using paper as wrap. This is fantastic as we can it can be composted. Some families have started making their own muesli bars which is even more user friendly and also a healthy option! Buying in bulk could become an option when using the reusable container option.

If we all do what we can despite the inconveniences we will make a difference; just as the boy who donated his loaves and fishes made the impossible happen.

To illustrate the rubbish problem the school cleaned up the edge of Waimea Estuary. It was amazing how much litter is surrounding our water ways. I was impressed with the children's enthusiasm and commitment. There is hope for a better world