TPHS Students Take the Lead on Sustainability

At Te Puke High School, a dedicated group of students on the Enviro Committee is making waves with a range of sustainability initiatives. Since its founding in 2019, the committee has been working to reduce the school’s carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices, inspired by global movements like those led by Greta Thunberg.

Commuting for a Cause 🚴‍♀️

The committee recently participated in the nationwide “Wednesday Challenge,” an initiative to encourage a greener commute. Their efforts have paid off, with the team currently leading its category! Two of our students, Danielle Ramirez and Prashanta Siwahang, have been key champions, even speaking to staff to encourage them to join this active travel and carpooling challenge. You can learn more about the initiative on the official Wednesday Challenge website.

From Bin to Bounty: A New Worm Farm 🌱

The Enviro Committee is also tackling waste right on campus by creating a new worm farm. Inspired by a similar project at Aquinas College, they’ve repurposed a disused wheelie bin to efficiently turn organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer for the school gardens. The team is now looking for food scraps and worms to bring the project to life, turning waste into a valuable resource.

A Legacy of Green Initiatives 🌳

These projects are part of a larger, ongoing effort by the committee to make the school more sustainable. Their achievements include:

• Securing grants from organizations like TECT and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Environmental Enhancement Fund to fund projects.
• Implementing power-saving measures, such as using timers on water boilers and switching off hot water cylinders during holidays, to reduce the school’s electricity bill.
• Installing solar panels to cut down on CO2 emissions and save money.
• Planting numerous trees to absorb carbon, provide shade, and improve the school environment.
• Trialing new recycling stations to improve waste management.

The Enviro Committee’s work is a testament to student leadership and a commitment to creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious school and community. They prove that every small action, from picking up litter to installing solar panels, contributes to a bigger, positive change.