We offer free classroom education and practical support to help schools and preschools minimise waste to landfill.
Resource Wise Schools
Resource Wise Schools is a free programme available for all educational establishments within Tauranga e.g. early childhood centres, and primary, intermediate, and high schools.
The programme consists of five stages for participants to work through: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Green.
Participants are provided with support and education to achieve each stage, as well as recognition for achieving each stage.
In order to gain access to the full suite of support available (listed below), schools must first register their interest in the Resource Wise Programme. An officer will then come out to do a site visit and discussion to determine whether the programme is the right fit for their school. Support available includes:
Annual waste audits:
A Resource Wise Schools Advisor will be available to:
- conduct a waste audit to determine what your school is sending to landfill and diverting from landfill;
- write a report to summarise the findings from the waste audit and develop an action plan to further minimise waste to landfill; and
- provide one-on-one support to minimise waste to landfill (based on audit findings) e.g. worm farms, compost bins, signage, presentations to staff.
Classroom Waste Education (Zero Waste Education):
An Educator will be available to:
- deliver classroom education to pre-schoolers aged 3 to 5 and for students in Years 1 to 8;
- tailor lessons and topics to suit the specific needs of the school; and
- provide pre and post resources for classroom teachers.
The programme is designed to complement other environmental initiatives such as:
Join the Resource Wise Programme
For more information or to book the classroom education lessons, visit the Zero waste education website.
Resource Wise Programme brochure (714kb pdf)
Paper4trees
Paper4trees provides free classroom and office recycling bins for students and staff to recycle paper and cardboard. Schools and preschools are then rewarded with native trees for their paper and cardboard recycling efforts.
The programme is managed and delivered by the Environmental Education for Resource Sustainability Trust. Please note that schools and preschools are responsible for organising their own recycling service through a private contractor.
Helpful resources
Waste not project
Community recycling network
Measuring change
Enviroschools