This is a school programme designed to create an awareness of waste and help schools improve their knowledge and understanding of ways they can reduce their own general waste in particular the disposal of their own organic waste (organics accounting for approximately 80% of total waste in schools). The programme provides participating schools with a ‘Hands On’ tool and involves establishing a vermicomposting system within each school to process organic wastes - ‘Closing the Loop’. This provides the school with a valuable resource with which to link to other curriculum pathways and a starting point to then focus on the remaining waste stream components. The programme allows schools to travel at their own pace but specialist help is available within each region from various sources if required.
The methodology used is a combination of:
Classroom Resource Manual. (Downloadable or Hard Copy)
Classroom activities including collation of waste reduction data.
Regional contacts for more information or assistance.
Profile on this website to share your experiences as part of a national database of 'worms in schools' in New Zealand.
This programme is different than other ‘stand-alone’ projects or resources as it is a long-term programme setting into practice systems of alternative waste disposal. Schools have to show a commitment to change and a willingness to let the children take ownership of the system. The messages of waste minimisation and environmentally friendly waste disposal practices are skills, which are taken by these participating students throughout their lives.
The WasteWise Classroom Resource Manual provides factual consistent information and guidance setting foundations for success.
Regional contacts assist with worm bin set up and associated information and activities.
Teachers monitor and oversee progress and are able to expand on the basics. Developing a scrap-book of historical information is important for keeping records of where you have been, are now and long terms goals.
Pupils take ownership (simple system), educate others and carry this message home and through life (important life skills being learnt).
Established in 1997 as a local (Hamilton) Recycling Operators Forum initiative written and coordinated by Julie Dennis. Initial resource and programme development was achieved with a Hamilton City Council Envirofund grant.
Finacial support for this website has been received from the Minister of the Environment's Sustainable Management Fund, which is administered by the Ministry for the Environment.
