EcoSchools Case Study: St Mary's Anglican School

Sustainability Initiatives

Commitment to Creating a Resource

The decision to adopt dehydration technology arose from a commitment to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility. As stated by the school, "With a growing awareness of the impact of food waste on landfills and the environment, we saw composting as an effective way to minimize our ecological footprint." Students are educated on suitable materials for processing, enabling them to independently manage the dehydration process.

Eco 5 Implementation  

The introduction of the Eco 5 has been a significant step in enhancing the school’s sustainability efforts. St Mary’s has found this technology to be user-friendly and efficient, with one teacher noting, "It’s quiet operation means it can run in the background without disrupting our classes." This accessibility makes it suitable for students of all ages.

The Data

- Average Weekly Cycles: Two Eco 5 units are run once daily

- Waste Diversion: To date, approximately 180 kg of food waste has been diverted from landfills, contributing to significant waste reduction.

- Fertiliser Production: The initiative has yielded around 20 kg of high-quality organic fertiliser, enriching the school’s gardens and promoting plant growth.

Impact Assessment

Waste Reduction and Behavior Change

The implementation of the Eco 5 has notably reduced the volume of waste generated in the school, leading to lighter bins and decreased odours associated with decomposing food waste. Students have become actively engaged in running the Eco 5 units, demonstrating increased awareness and responsibility. As one teacher highlighted, "Our students are actively engaged in the dehydration process, taking responsibility for ensuring that food waste is properly sorted and disposed of." They frequently inquire about the Eco 5, ensuring that food waste is sorted correctly.

Community Response  

The school community has responded positively to the initiative. The department noted, "The community has been thrilled with our initiative, showing overwhelming support for our efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability." Families have eagerly purchased the fertiliser produced, recognizing its value for their gardens, which reflects a collective appreciation for the school’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Circular Economy Initiatives

Utilization of Eco 5 Soil Amendment

The fertiliser produced through the Eco 5 is being integrated into the school’s gardens, enhancing soil quality and supporting healthy plant growth. The department plans to expand its use: "Our plan is to expand its use across more garden projects within the school." Additionally, a student-led business venture has led to the sale of their fertiliser to the wider community provides a sustainable option for families looking to improve their gardening efforts, all while teaching the students to navigate a real-life business.

Future Aspirations  

While the current scale of the initiative is limited by the capacity of the Eco 5 units, there is a vision to expand. The department noted, "With larger composters or additional units, we could collect more waste, involve more students, and create a greater impact." This expansion would enable broader student involvement and amplify the positive impact of the initiative on the local community.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Despite the successes, the initiative has encountered challenges. Occasionally, large quantities of similar materials lead to inefficiencies in the composting process. As noted, "At times, it can be challenging when we have large quantities of the same material to dehydrate, which can result in a product that hasn't broken down as efficiently." The team is continuously learning to manage the types and quantities of waste more effectively to overcome these obstacles.

Conclusion  

The Food Technology department at St Mary’s Anglican School exemplifies how educational institutions can take meaningful strides toward sustainability. Through the effective use of the Eco 5, the department has not only reduced food waste but has also cultivated a culture of environmental awareness among students and the broader community. As the initiative evolves, there is great potential for expanding its impact and further embedding sustainability into the school’s ethos.

Final Thoughts  

The journey toward sustainability is ongoing, and the lessons learned from this initiative will pave the way for future enhancements. As the department reflects, "We are continually learning how to better manage the types and amounts of waste we process." By fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among students, St Mary’s is setting a precedent for eco-friendly practices that can be replicated in other educational settings.

‍