The aftermath of a 2007 West Footscray chemical fire will deliver an educational and environmental windfall for western suburb schools next year, thanks to the Gould League and the EPA.
The EPA has directed half of the $160,000 fine levied on the owners of the factory to the Gould League to implement its online EnviroCampus program in the region.
EnviroCampus is designed to help schools create a culture of sustainability by avoiding, reducing and reusing waste and implementing green purchasing policies as an introduction to further ongoing sustainability projects.
“Indications are that a school that can halve its landfill waste can save up to $3000 a year,” Gould League executive officer David Walker said.
“EnviroCampus will help schools make fast and measurable reductions in the amount of waste they send to landfill. They save money while their students and staff see the rewards for their efforts very quickly, inspiring them to do more.
“School environmental projects play a very important role in creating a more sustainable future. They inspire local communities and create our next generation of environmental ambassadors.
“Independent research has shown that over half of school families began recycling and reusing more as a result of what their children learned at school in Gould League programs.
“And the online nature of EnviroCampus creates a networked community in which students and teachers can interact and share stories with other participating schools, further spreading the environmental message.”
Any government, catholic and independent school in the western suburbs is eligible to apply for one of the limited EnviroCampus places.
Successful schools will receive a full day teacher professional development seminar, 12 months of student and teacher access to the online curriculum, resources, tools and activities, ongoing mentoring and support from the Gould League’s experienced environmental educators, and technical support.
EnviroCampus is being funded through the EPA’s Alternative Penalties program project, which channels corporate fines into relevant local community projects.
Find out more about EnviroCampus  |
