A bunch of green initiatives are sprouting at Caulfeild. There’s the new in-class juice-box recycling program run by Paula Stevens and her noble G6/7 students: major greenie points go to Scott Brownlie, Sean Tammen and the other helpers involved (whom we’ll thank in our next instalment!).

‘No idling’ signs are in plan for the drop-off/ pick-up zone (you know who you are!). We’re researching eco-friendly alternatives to the styrofoam containers used for part of the Hot Lunch Program, and looking into how to change our light bulbs... We’d like to get the students more involved in thinking green and are starting to think of ways to help this happen.

We need your help too, particularly with these first initiatives. So what can you do?

It’s great that the Tetra-paks are now being recycled. Reducing is also important, so if you can give your child water or juice in a reusable bottle, that’s helpful too.

If possible, give your children their lunch in boxes that can be re-used and taken home; try to minimise use of cling film, plastic bags, etc. Ask your children to take everything home with them and recycle or compost everything you can.

Please, please turn off your engine when you’re waiting to drop off or pick up your child. Or even better, let them take the school bus - assuming too far to walk!

Doing all this already? Fantastic! Our thanks too to Brad Lund and staff for their enthusiastic support of the green team .

To all you lurking greens out there (saplings included) – got a great idea for something we can do, some small change we can make as students, teachers or families to help make our school –and our community – a greener place? Email us on nancy@caulfeildpac.com and we’ll air your suggestion in a future instalment of Think Green.

Now... let’s get painting!

Elaine B

P.S. The Green Team are: Nancy H, Jane D, Kit M, Eric G, Beth B, Elaine B. You are warmly welcome to join us; we have much to do this year!