On 3 August, Avon Primary School students started stage one of their community garden project with the installation of a new composting system.
The work involved selecting the site for the three-box composting system and starting the first batch of compost which will be ready for planting out on Labour Weekend. The resulting fruit and vegetables will be given out to the community for free.
Avon Primary School was successful in receiving support from the district's Waste Levy Fund to create the garden and composting system. They received further help from Richard Wallis from CarbonCycle, who volunteered his time and products to help the kids set-up.
Peter McNamara, SDC Waste and Water Education Officer, has been volunteering at Avon Primary School, teaching the kids about reducing and reusing waste, thanks to an initiative giving council staff one paid hour a week to volunteer in the local community.
Peter says the school's project is a great way for tamariki to learn about diverting organic food waste and green waste from landfill through community composting collectives.
"You might not think composting and community go hand in hand, but there's something special about taking food waste and, through your own mahi, turning it into kai for your kura and neighbourhood. It's an amazing learning opportunity for kids."
