School scoops sustainability awards

A SENSORY Garden, an organic vegetable patch, a rain water tank and water wise taps are among the achievements recognised by the Strathfield Council’s first Sustainable Living Awards.

The competition was open to all local schools, with the aim of fostering  ideas for living a more sustainable life among our young people.

Local schools were asked to enter the awards by demonstrating how they  are actively reducing their environmental footprint with sustainable ideas for everyday life.

Meriden School and South Strathfield Public School earned top recognition and were presented with awards by Strathfield Mayor Tony Maroun.

Meridan won a high commendation award for its efficient use of water through the use of rainwater tanks and the installation of water wise taps, while South Strathfield Public School was praised for installing 30 solar panels for electricity generation and the use of water tanks for irrigation.

Both schools were rewarded with a $250 voucher.

“Entries were of a very high standard and ranged [widely] in terms of sustainability capability and level of difficulty,” says Bernadette Murray, sustainability programs officer at Strathfield Council.

“It was difficult to choose a winner as every school has its own budgets and limits in resources and capacity. The competition was very successful and it was great for council to learn what projects and programs the community and organisations are implementing with regard to sustainability."