The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney has congratulated the Portland Special School on receiving an Encouragement Award in the Primary School Beginner Category as part of the Rubbish Free Lunch Challenge.
“It is great to see that our local schools are winning the battle to eliminate lunch time rubbish and food scraps from their grounds.” Ms Tierney said.
Education Minister Bronwyn Pike on 10 October 2007 presented awards to nine schools for drastically reducing the amount of rubbish generated, with a further 27 schools receiving encouragement awards for their commitment to environmental programs.
Ms Pike said the Challenge was a fun way for schools to educate students about the impact their daily activities could have on the environment.
“Whether it’s through composting and mulching or recycling and re-using, the Challenge encourages students to think about their impact on the environment and make a difference in meaningful ways,” Ms Pike said.
Schools participating in the Challenge weighed their lunch rubbish in July as a reference point, and then compared it with the volume accumulated on Rubbish Free Lunch Challenge Day in August.
Ms Tierney said it was wonderful to see students, schools and parents joining forces in a practical and enjoyable activity – one that reduces waste and sends an important message about safeguarding our environment.
“This sends a message that young people can get out there and educate the rest of the community about being environmentally conscious.” Ms Tierney said
“The Rubbish Free Lunch Challenge gives all of us the opportunity to realise how we can affect the physical world around us.”
“It also gives us knowledge we can take into the future to build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable world.”
Sustainability Victoria was the major sponsor of the Challenge.