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Waste Warriors At Newhaven College

Students at Newhaven College are pleased to have worms and these unassuming creatures are teaching them about responsible waste practices.

By Bass Coast - 9th March 2012 - Back to News

Over the past two years Council has worked with students from Newhaven College to increase their understanding of reducing waste, reducing their carbon footprint and recycling.

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Director of Community and Economic Development, Steven Piasente said the Community Planning team recognised the opportunity for a waste educational partnership project between Council’s Waste Services team, Newhaven College and the broader community.

"Part of the learning has involved the students getting their hands dirty setting up a worm farm," Mr Piasente said.
Last year, Newhaven College Junior School participated in a small scale Waste Reduction Project with Council, called the Worm Farm Project.

This project was environmentally beneficial and reduced the food and waste output of the school. It also used the worm waste to help nourish the Year Four vegetable garden.

This year, the worms form the basis for the "Waste Warriors" program which will be managed by students from the Year 9 Environmental Centre.

Ric Pearce, Head of the Year 9 Environmental Centre, said Waste Warriors forms part of the curriculum for the students and is one of five community engagement programs currently offered at the school.

"The students learn how to manage a small commercial worm farm and create complete waste disposal streams on campus," Mr Pearce said.

"They will learn about worms, waste management and the role it has in food production. The project will continue throughout the year and be passed over to the 2013 Year 9 class."

Mr Piasente said the project integrates with the community in several ways - worm tea collected from the farm will to be sold at local nurseries with funds donated to charity. The students will also approach local cafés about collecting fruit, coffee bean grindings and vegetable scraps to feed the worms, as the worm farm can take 15 kilograms of scraps each day.

"We believe that the Waste Warriors have the opportunity to make a huge difference by significantly reducing waste production at their school and in the local community, "Mr Piasente said.

For further information contact Bass Coast Shire Council’s Waste Services team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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