Conservation week 2011

Today we discussed the significance of conservation week. The class decided that although we all view each day as an opportunity to conserve and protect our world, it is still worthwhile having a week that focuses purely on how we can work together and conserve our local environment.

As a class we looked at some photos taken of our "land fill" rubbish skip ( non recyclable waste). We were shocked to see how much recyclable and compostable waste was being mixed in with the non-recyclable waste. It worried us immensely. We all questioned why we don't recycle plastics as well as paper? Ms Berry charged us with the task creating an action to solve this problem. Many of us went one step further and decided to write letters to the council asking their advice on how to get a 'plastics' skip bin as well as our current paper and land fill skips.

Here are some of the letters.

Dear, Whoever this may concern
My name is Flossie Bleasdale, I am 13 years of age and in my second year of Intermediate. I attend Muritai School, one of the great aspects of this school is that we have achieved the title of being green gold school, one of very few in New Zealand.
However this letter is a matter of emergency for we are having a few troubles.
At the moment we only have 3 recycling bins, one for paper, another for food scraps and one that get shipped off to the landfill. This is NOT enough! Where do all our plastics go?
A couple of teachers and children were worried that we were not for filling our name of Green Gold and decided to investigate. They were HORRIFIED at the results! Being awarded the title of Green Gold not only puts pressure on the school to be great, but we also have to keep up the good work ALL the time, this is difficult! The problem was that all our plastics were going straight into the bin making our contribution to the landfill BIGGER than necessary.
We know you can help by donating a skip for all plastics! Before you say anything you should know that there are benefits that follow:
By helping our school, you will be helping the planet to be a better, healthier place!
We could have your name on the bin, letting other schools that visit us, know you helped!
If you can’t provide us with a skip then could you please let us knew who could donate one to our school that would be IMMENSELY appreciated.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter, I will be looking forward to hearing from you in the near future!!