Kindy chips in for clean world

An Upper Hutt kindy has been recognised for doing its bit to help the environment.

Heretaunga Kindergarten was last week presented with a silver Enviroschool award by Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy.

The award comes from the Enviroschools Foundation, a non-profit trust that aims to provide support for young people participating in activities to promote environmental sustainability.

As part of its move towards being more sustainable, the kindergarten has established a worm farm, put in place a recycling system and installed water tanks. Its curriculum has also been amended to include sustainability related topics.

Children at the kindergarten have been encouraged to put leftovers from their lunches and snacks to good use in compost and there has been discuccion around Maori views on the environment.

Upper Hutt City Council joined the Enviroschools network as a funding partner in July, 2014.

The council’s support, along with assistance from Greater Wellington Regional Council, allowed for an Enviroschools facilitator to be employed to work alongside schools and early childhood centres in Upper Hutt.

Heretaunga Kindergarten is one of five schools and kindergartens that have been recognised by the Enviroschools Programme in Upper Hutt.

The other organisations to have received certificates are Brown Owl and Cottle Kindergartens, Plateau School and Pinehaven School.

Silverstream School is also preparing to join the programme.

Meanwhile, Plateau School is working towards being acknowledged as being a Green-Gold Enviroschool.