In full swing for sustainability

East Taieri School pupils got into the spirit of World Environment Day with enthusiasm yesterday, swinging shovels over their shoulders and carrying their plants and trowels as they headed off to create a new home for skinks and geckos.

The planting was one of many events held and nationwide yesterday to promote sustainability and reduce the effects of climate change.

This year, it was New Zealand's turn to host the day, which was established in 1972 through the United Nations Environment Programme.

Teacher Christina King said the pupils loved the experience of getting outside and planting.

It taught them to value the environment and look after it, she saidThe school received funding of$750 from the Ministry for the Environment for the project and six sites around the school were planted by about 300 pupils yesterday.

Planting for skinks had provided a new impetus to the school's planting programme, which had been running for about five years, she said.

Skinks had been seen around the school when its new car park was being built, so it was hoped the new planting around its perimeter would encourage them back.

"It's been a great project and has taken off, as they [the children] are already out looking for them."