In May 2024, as part of European Week of Waste Reduction (EWWR) preparations, Year 1 students at Sacred Heart College learned how to create homemade compost during a science lesson. This hands-on activity introduced students to the composting process, highlighting the importance of waste separation and making mindful choices about which materials are suitable for composting.

This May initiative paved the way for a larger composting project at the school, with the Eko-Skola committee deciding to create a dedicated compost bin in the school garden for the following scholastic year. All classes were encouraged to participate by using empty ice-cream containers to collect fruit and vegetable waste only. This practice helped students develop a better understanding of the differences between items that belong in the organic bin versus those suitable for composting.

Each class’s collected compost will be regularly emptied into the main compost bin in the school garden, supporting ongoing sustainable practices at the school. The Eko-Skola committee will also share this method with the St Julian’s Elderly Group in a December meeting, fostering intergenerational learning and inspiring sustainable practices within the wider community.