In 2011, 12 local schools and preschools participating in the Paper4Trees programme diverted 28 tonnes of paper and cardboard from landfill, saved around 226 cubic metres of landfill space, and for this amazing effort were rewarded with 113 native plants.
The trees were delivered in time for World Environment Day
last week and Toko School was one of the first to get planting locally.
The school's environmental leader Maree Stark said they welcome the opportunity to take part in the programme, as it allows them to keep their gardens native and bring in the birds, and teaches the students more about trees and how to give them a good start when planting.
Also on board, since 2008, is Kaponga Primary which has already received 40 free plants through the programme as thanks for their effort.
``It gets the kids to realise that it is good to not just chuck rubbish away and that their effort gets noticed, and rewarded,'' said Kaponga principal Shane Downs.
Feedback from the kids included that they ``love'' doing their bit for the environment and that it is fun ``to get out off the classroom'' and ``cool'' to see things grow that they have planted.
Paper4trees was established in 2001, by the Environmental Education for Resource Sustainability Trust (EERST) _ a not for profit organisation. EERST provides the resources needed to set up an in-house paper and cardboard recycling system. As an added incentive to encourage schools to either start recycling or to increase recycling rates, EERST also rewards schools and preschools with one native tree for every two cubic metres of paper and cardboard they recycle.
Since 2008, the Stratford area has:
Saved 688 cubic metres of landfill space, the equivalent to more than 20 20-foot shipping containers.
Diverted 86 tonnes of paper and cardboard from landfill, the equivalent to more than 14 adult male elephants.
Earned 344 trees.
The project is supported by Shell Todd Oil.
The company's Julie Boulton congratulates all the schools for their participation.
