Broulee School Single-use Bag SRP
Source Reduction Plan (SRP) Overview
Name of SRP
Partners Delivering the SRP
- Eurobodalla Shire Council
Location
Broulee Public school – NSW
Photo 1
Evidence of the issue
Photo 2
Evidence of SRP resources
Photo 3
Evidence of positive outcomes
Overall Goals & Background
Targeted Debris
Single-use plastic shopping bags
Why is the SRP needed?
The Council recognised the need to reduce single-use plastic bag use in the area, and the need to educate young people on why single-use plastic is damaging to the environment.
The program engages the whole school community, promotes environmental sustainability and provides the school’s P&C with a small income.
Logistics
Timeline and Project Goals
2-day trialÂ
Eurobodalla environment education officer (EEEO) worked with Broulee public school to secure the use of their school hall for two consecutive days to use as the production area for bag making.
Measuring Success
The Officer visited stage 2 (years 3 and 4) classrooms to explain what the project was about, why it is important to reduce the dependence on single-use plastic items, and how the students can be involved in making the program work.Â
The officer also made a presentation at the school assembly to inform the whole school about the activity.
Parents/P & C from Broulee public provided the workforce. This trial consisted of 6 volunteers, 4 sewing machines, 1 overlocker, scissors, and 1 iron.
Data Collection & Reporting
Materials for the project were sourced at opportunity shops and donations from the school community.
Materials used were:
- Second-hand lace curtains – from opportunity shops
Lightweight fabric for border – from opportunity shops and P&C
Cotton cord – we used piping cord bought from the fabric store.
Cotton threads provided by volunteers
135 bags were made and distributed to the stage 2 students, each bag had a flyer included to explain what/how and why it should be used. The flyer also acted as an order form if families wanted to purchase bags from the P&C.
Results and Reflections
Positive Outcomes
This process allowed Broulee P&C to see how the bags were accepted and gauge the response. From the positive response, it is now an activity the P&C will continue with and sell the bags for a small fee (to be determined).
Funding
Eurobodalla Shire Council
Challenges & Improvements
Future Opportunities
This trial is a good example of how a simple SRP can be implemented in a short amount of time. This could be used as a template for other schools to educate and engage their pupils on single-use items
