Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Growing seasonal produce
Supported by teachers and whānau, students have revitalised a greenhouse and now grow seasonal produce for cooking classes.
Surplus produce is donated to the school’s sharing shed, a community pantry where people can contribute or take what they need.
Native planting
The school grounds tell the same story of practical action. Students have created an area of native planting to attract birdlife, alongside a thriving chicken coop.
Eggs are sold through the school office to help cover feed costs, while chicken waste is used to fertilise the gardens – a simple circular system in action.
Recycling waste
Enviroleader Luella explained how the school’s waste and recycling systems are led and monitored by students.
Their work has reduced waste volumes and disposal costs by thousands of dollars each year – a significant achievement for a small school.
To keep momentum going, the winning class from regular waste audits receives the coveted Spade Trophy, handmade by a student and their father from recycled spade heads.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/07/selwyn-students-share-ideas-for-a-more-sustainable-future/