Northern Beaches Council has announced the winners of its Eco Schools Grants for 2019, with project funds totalling $10,000 being awarded to six local public primary schools.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the Eco Schools Grants will be used by the schools to part or fully-fund school-based initiatives in Waste Reduction and Sustainability Education.
“The overall aim of the Eco Schools Grants Program is to support our local schools and in turn our local community in implementing sustainable practices,” Mayor Michael Regan said.
Balgowlah Heights Public School said it will use the money to resource a sustainability education program, while Balgowlah North, Beacon Hill, Belrose, Bilgola Plateau and Narrabeen North Public Schools will undertake waste reduction initiatives.
One local school has been quick off the mark, having already begun its Eco Schools Grant-funded waste-reduction project, titled Narra Goes Green being run by Narrabeen North Public School.
“The ultimate goal of the Narra Goes Green project is to reduce the overall waste created by the school and its canteen.”
“The project will run through to the end of the year and is being led by dedicated and passionate teachers who are excited to work with children to reduce waste and improve our sustainability practices,” said Principal Ryan Shepheard.
Narrabeen North Public School strategies will include:
· Replacing single-use plastic with reusable containers and utensils.
· Purchasing additional transparent waste-specific bins to replace current general waste bins.
· Purchasing plants and seeds to grow the school’s own sustainable produce for their canteen through student gardening programs, and
· Purchasing supplies for compost and Eco-warrior programs such as dolomite, mulch and gardening gloves.
The Eco Schools Grants form just one strand of Northern Beaches Council’s $560,000 community grant program for 2018-2019, which will also fund community initiatives in Sport and Recreational Infrastructure, Community and Cultural Development, and Events.