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Primary school waste education program

EnviroMentors - NSW's leading incursion-based environmental education service.

Are you looking for engaging ways to educate your students on circular economy, waste management, waste reduction, correct bin use and recycling? Waverley Council has partnered with Keep Australia Beautiful to provide free, targeted, environmental incursions to primary schools in 2023.

Register your school to participate in the EnviroMentors program and inspire your students to improve their local environment. Hurry, spots are limited.

To make a booking, please contact Shani from Keep Australia Beautiful at spatel@kabnsw.org.auThis external link will open in a new window and 02 8594 4076

What is the EnviroMentors program?

Since 1994, EnviroMentors has been the country’s leading mobile incursion-based environmental education program, reaching every corner of NSW with sustainability workshops.

EnviroMentors primary school incursions aim to improve awareness and engagement on local sustainability issues and motivate students to improve their local environment in simple and practical ways.

EnviroMentors educators are fully qualified primary school education teachers with a depth of experience in lesson planning and class management. They are passionate about conservation, environmentalism and engaging young people and their communities in sustainable practices.

What modules are available?

Three modules are available to educate students on the issue of circular economy, waste management, waste reduction, correct bin use and recycling. These modules are delivered to one class at a time to maximise student participation and learning through activities, demonstrations and games catered for their learning stage. EnviroMentors can deliver between up to five workshops of the same module per school over one day.

#1. “In the Bin” Module

Students are introduced to the waste services in their local council area and investigate the benefits of avoiding, recycling, composting, reusing, sharing, and repairing. Students are introduced to the circular economy, and how this economic model can minimise waste, the need for new resources and emissions from landfills. Students develop skills and attitudes that facilitate the adoption of waste minimising actions and are empowered to spread the information in their homes and communities.

#2. “Recycling” Module

Students are introduced to Recycling and Landfill to answer questions including: What is Recycling? Why is Recycling important? How can students recycle in their local communities?

This module aims to reduce incorrect bin use and minimise contamination. Students are also introduced to the circular economy and learn how this model can minimise waste and the need for new resources.

#3. “Lunches Unwrapped” module

Students develop an understanding of waste avoidance and explore the environmental implications, benefits and detriments of using different materials to package foods. They are empowered to make informed choices about the best or better alternative to single use packaging.

School Waste Audit

Designed to help schools achieve their goal of diverting and reducing waste going to landfill. Students will assess the schools waste production by identifying major sources, types of waste being produced and evaluating the schools current recycling programs. Teachers will be provided with a comprehensive resource booklet to guide them through the steps leading up to the audit, where the EnviroMentors will visit the school to deliver two “In The Bin” workshops. In conjunction with council, a tailored waste minimisation guide is then created for the school.

EnviroMentors and the School Curriculum

For the curriculum links to each module see the pdfs under Quick Links or go to https://www.kabnsw.org.au/enviromentors/This external link will open in a new window

COVID-Safe Management Plan

Keep Australia Beautiful has updated its Risk Assessment in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in line with the Department of Education guidelines, and relevant health authorities.

In the event that an incursion cannot be held in person, the following modules can be held online: Composting, In The Bin, Litter / Keeping Waterways Clean, Recycling.

If you have any concerns in the lead up to your incursion, or the COVID-19 situation changes, please get in touch to make alternative arrangements.

Make a free booking

There is no cost to your school to participate, however 2023 spots are limited, so book your sessions early to avoid disappointment.

To make a booking, please contact Shaan from Keep Australia Beautiful NSW at spatel@kabnsw.org.auThis external link will open in a new window and 02 8594 4076