Students putting waste in its place
The future of the environment is in great hands if Thornbury School’s recent waste reduction hui is anything to go by.
Earlier this year, students were joined by their counterparts from Heddon Bush School to immerse themselves
in a range of workshops that explored waste reduction concepts and the impact waste can have on the environment.
While passion and enthusiasm shone through as students moved through each module, so did the strong knowledge the two schools share.
Increasing that base knowledge is one outcome of the hui, but there are also many more flow-on effects.
Thornbury School principal Kay Teviotdale says one of them is the transfer of that knowledge from the students to their parents and older generations.
“Our students are really aware of what rubbish is meant to go where,” Kay says.
“We started with having bins in our classrooms to match those that go out for collection."
“The kids are all really mindful of what goes where and what can be recycled and kept out of landfill."
“I know when they come to my office, they are quick to point out if there is something in the wrong place.
“I know they are the same at home too and keep their parents on their toes.”
Hearing that feedback is music to the ears of Environment Southland’s Enviroschools team, who facilitated the school’s waste reduction hui.
The event aimed to educate students on changes that have been made to New Zealand’s waste management systems, while they also learn about the impacts waste can have on the environment, with the aim that the knowledge will be shared with each student’s family.
A wide range of waste reduction concepts were covered, including the reuse and repurposing of textiles, exploration of
the impacts microplastics can have on waterways and native fish species, as well as a wider look at the hopes and aspirations students have in the waste space.
Southern educator and singer-songwriter Anna van Riel also shared messages about swapping single use items for reusable ones through her interactive show as Waste Free Wanda.
Students delved into each topic through practical and interactive learning experiences.
“The kids really enjoyed their day, learning more about all of the everyday things that can impact the environment,” Kay says.
“Each of the stations were hands-on and the kids really enjoy that interactive learning experience.
“The Enviroschools programme has been really great for our school.
“For us, it's not something extra that's put on top of the school curriculum.”
“We try to make it part of our everyday activities.
“Whether it's recycling or it's just what we do.”
Thornbury School’s waste reduction hui was designed by Southland regional co-ordinator of the Enviroschools programme, Josh Sullivan and implemented with the support of Environment Southland and Wastenet Southland.
