Eco Early Childhood Education
Supporting ECE’s on their sustainable journey.
The Eco ECE (early childhood education) Programme brings trained facilitators to your early childhood setting to help minimise waste. A custom made plan (see detail below) is mapped out to ensure your transition to a low waste centre is successful.
The goal is to embed the concept of kaitiakitanga (guardianship and protection) to establish the Kiwi values of environmental stewardship at an early age.
The project is administered through a charitable environmental trust — Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste. Thanks to funding from Hibiscus and Bays Local Board the programme is free to centres in this area.
The Eco ECE Programme is excited to run a pilot programme in the Upper Harbour area thanks to funding from the Upper Harbour Board
How the programme works
Initial Assessment
A short site visit by a facilitator to explain the programme and discuss your sustainable goals.
First Waste Audit
An audit is carried out either on or off site. This will assess all the waste and recycling from a typical day. Your facilitator will then share mat time with your tamariki, exploring the finds and ideas around keeping waste out of landfill.
Staff Workshop
This workshop is designed to help your team better understand why we are trying to reduce waste. This can be essential in the process of getting everyone on board. We will also discuss the waste audit results and as a team we can decide what food scrap diversion we will put in place and any other diversions or reductions we can take. This workshop can be put towards your Professional Development and you will receive a participation certificate afterwards.
Organic Diversion
Your facilitator will work with you and your team to choose the best option(s) to divert organic (food) waste as well as setting up the system. It may be a worm farm, bokashi or composting. Funding can go towards this. Ongoing help is available if required.
Recycling
Following on from the results of the audit your facilitator can recommend ways in which you can Reduce Reuse and Recycle! This can involve mat time sessions with the students.
Family Workshops
Our programme has designed an all in one workshop for families to cover basic waste streams. This includes simple solutions and swaps for within the household. It’s an opportunity for your team, as well as your families, to connect and learn together.
Diversions
Our programme has designed an all in one workshop for families to cover basic waste streams. This includes simple solutions and swaps for within the household. It’s an opportunity for your team, as well as your families, to connect and learn together.
Second Waste Audit
How successful have the changes been? A second waste audit will find areas that may still need some actions.
Rounding Up
Although your facilitator will be sad to say goodbye we’re only a phone call away if questions arise.
