Schools? environmental work recognised | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

Six schools in Wairarapa have been recognised and honoured for their commitment to the environment at the inaugural Enviroschools awards.

In a ceremony in Wellington this week, schools from throughout Wairarapa were among the 11 primary and secondary schools to be presented with awards as part of a national scheme involving more than 180 schools across New Zealand who have met rigorous national criteria.

To gain an enviroschool award, students plan, design and take action to create a sustainable school environment. In the first year of the awards in the Wellington region, Fernridge School was granted a silver award. Carterton, Douglas Park, Gladstone, Martinborough and Opaki schools achieved the bronze level for various projects which included rubbish clean-ups, reusing schemes and paper recycling, worm farms, creating school gardens and developing wildlife havens.

Pupils also introduced water and energy-efficiency initiatives, improved the bio-diversity in school environments, and demonstrated the benefits of living sustainably.