Green Team

Our Goals for the centre :

• Reduce Waste

• Increase Recycling

• Reduce Consumption

• Reuse, Rejuvenate, Reinvigorate

• Improve the Environmental Performance of the Centre

• Promote environmental responsibility and sustainability

• Incorporate this into our policies, programs and activities

• Make connections with community, parents, families, businesses

What we've already done...and some of the challenges we've faced:

We've visited some lovely centres and had a look at their set ups, and how they manage their outdoor space and environment to get some inspiration. It's been great talking to other centres about what works, what doesn't work etc.

Changed our outdoor equipment from 'plastic' to 'natural' products

When we looked at buying some new things for the yard, we thought we'd replace some of the plastic things.

We found some great outdoor equipment that was made from wood - eg cubby houses, chairs and tables. It's a bit difficult to get them laquered (so they last) before putting them in the yard - but we got it done.

We also found a great tree removal company who were happy to donate some cut up logs for us - after drying, then sanding and sealing them they've made a great addition to the yard - in particular in a 'book corner'  - as stools to sit on - and in the 'block corner' as an addition to the square blocks of wood.

Added more plants and trees to the yard

We went on a big planting experience ...only to discover that a whole lot of the plants were on the 'not so safe' list.....so we had to take them out and replace them The replacement plants have done really well with the perfect growing conditions this summer (lots of light, lots of rain) and we're really enjoying watching them grow - and loving the scents, colours and textures in the yard.

We also love 'harvesting' our own herbs  - eg rosemary and parsley to add to our cooking experiences.

Established a worm farm and composting bin

We've got two small bins in the kitchen that are being used for food scraps that are diverted from the bin to our worm farm and composting bin. We're mostly putting in our fruit and veggie scraps. The worm farm is going well - the composting bin has provided extra challenges in the form of fruit flies. We're trying a range of different strategies to help manage the fruit fly situation.

We imagined that we'd reactivate our veggie patch - but so far we haven't been too successful there - we tried planting some seeds.....and we might plant some more soon.

Changed our waste mix

Instead of one big bin for 'regular' waste, and a small bin for recycling, we've now halved our regular waste, and increased our recycling ten-fold. This was achieved by just putting a 'recycling' bin in each room - we're recycling lots of paper from each room - as well as all of our milk containers, tins, bottles etc.  This has actually saved our business some money - as recycled waste costs less to collect than regular waste.

Connected with the council

Baulkham Hills Shire council have a great environmental program. We're meeting with them in the new year to see what else we can do.

Switched to Solar Power

We've made a huge investment and switched to solar hot water and solar power, and are now contributing green energy to the 'grid'. We've undergone an energy audit, and are moving towards using less electricity. We've helped to educate our team on how to use electricity by 'switching off' and being a bit more thoughtful about when to use the airconditioners/fans, and when to just open some windows.

Educated our Team

All of our staff watched the WakeUp FreakOut movie  - (the fantatsic Rob Gell showed this at the ECA Confrence). This helps you understand why it's so important to start focusing on the environment now.

Set up a display in the foyer

Using natural materials, we've set up a display in our foyer for parenst and families showcasing everything that they can do at home to reduce their environmental impact.

Gathered some resources for programming

Using some of the great resources we've discovered for the kids, we've also started incorporating an environmental message to our program. The older children have bought in things from home that can be recycled, to talk about - and we've also found some great books - eg the "Charlie and Lola" series of stories by Lauren Child has one on recycling.

We'd love you to contact us if you have any more suggestions.