Budding gardeners at Morwell Central Primary School have planted vegetable and sensory gardens and set up worm farms as they strive to create a more sustainable environment for future generations.

ResourceSmart Schools is a free program that supports Victorian schools to embed sustainability into the curriculum and teaches students how to go about this practically.

Since 2008, the program has reached more than 1,400 schools or more than 200,000 students with participating schools saving $26 million through energy, waste and water savings.

The program awards schools up to five stars for completing modules relating to water, waste, energy and biodiversity and providing free assistance from sustainability experts.

Morwell Central Primary School are starting out on their sustainability journey and have saved $7,000 in their first year alone by reducing their energy consumption and waste – the equivalent of 325 household landfill bins.

Managed by Sustainability Victoria, the ResourceSmart Schools program is a platform for schools across the state to teach students to make sustainable changes for the future.

The Labor Government committed $2.78 million in the 2019-20 Budget to continue the delivery of the program.

For more information, visit: sustainability.vic.gov.au/schools.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“I want to congratulate Morwell Central Primary School for their enthusiasm and hard work in reducing their impact on the environment.”

“These students and teachers are setting an example of how to protect the environment and act on climate change.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“This program offers kids a real, hands on understanding of what it means to create a more sustainable environment.”