Action projects to reduce litter, reduce waste and recycle

Identify 'hot spots' where litter is most likely to cause environmental impacts.

Consider quantities of litter and the effects of different types of litter (e.g. plastics, food wastes or glass) on the Great Barrier Reef. Identify those who use the 'hot spots'. Work with the school community, especially those who use the 'hot spots', to develop ways to reduce litter.

Ensure enough litterbins are placed around the school.

Make presentations at your school assembly on why litter is a problem for the Great Barrier Reef.

Create a 'Litter Monster,' a rubbish bin character, that helps to encourage younger students to put litter in the bin.

Paint bins in attractive colours with reef designs to encourage students to put litter in them.

Set up separate recycling bins for cans, glass, plastics and paper (check to see what can be recycled in your area).

Collect food scraps and set up a worm farm for recycling organic waste. Use the resulting compost and worm castings in the school gardens.

Collect useful items to reuse in art, craft and technology, e.g. paper, card, material cut-offs, wool, and ice cream containers.

Hold a 'Litter-free Lunch' day.

Develop school policies about double-sided photocopying and paper use. Reuse re-inking cartridges and begin composting/worm farming organic waste.

Develop an education program about litter and waste reduction and recycling for use in your school community.