Waste Free Wednesday Is Launched

25 Sep 2024

Catherine McAuley Westmead students presenting to the school at assembly
Sandrina and Keira, Year 9 students, presenting at the school assembly.

In an effort to make Catherine McAuley a more sustainable and environmentally conscious school, a dedicated group of students have come up with a project to work towards achieving this.

‘Waste Free Wednesday’ is a new initiative created by Year 10 students Keira H., Sandrina R., Chanel C., Majerin P., Erin M., Riane S., and Emily P. after an inspiring experience at the Australasian Mercy Secondary School Association (AMSSA) Student Conference. During the school assembly this month, students Keira H. and Sandrina R. presented their plan to the school.

The initiative stemmed from a reflection on what the students had learnt at the AMSSA conference, one which aims to promote the Mercy ethos. Keira H. said their time at the conference allowed the students to expand upon their knowledge of the environment.

We wanted to put our new found knowledge into action in our school and this project really puts things into perspective as it helps people be aware of the amount of waste that is produced.

The students say that the idea behind the initiative challenges students and staff to, on Wednesdays, take the time to pack themselves a lunch that contains zero waste items, specifically avoiding single-use plastics, wrappers and other packaging, with an aim to reduce waste and promote sustainability within the school community.

Waste Free Wednesday Poster. It lists some ideas and thought provoking questions to prompt students to reduce their waste.

It encourages students and staff to support the use of reusable items such as containers, utensils, cloth napkins etc, in order to encourage mindful and responsible consumption, as well as minimising negative environmental impacts the best we can. A potential incentive is still in discussion with a prize idea of House points.

“This initiative will be ongoing throughout Term 4 and hopefully into next year as well,” the students said.

We are hoping that this can go for more than just one day a week and can become a staple part of the school community.