Planting first step for pupils

When pupils at a Dunedin school were tasked to reduce carbon emissions in their community they came up with two ideas.

Planting plants and a walking bus.

Yesterday, North East Valley Normal School pupils and members of the community got the planting under way as nearly 300 flaxes and grasses were put in the ground at the school.

North East Valley Normal School pupil Connor Scharr, 10, plants a flax to offset carbon emissions...
North East Valley Normal School pupil Connor Scharr, 10, plants a flax to offset carbon emissions. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
Teacher Theresa Bowen had two groups in her class working to offset their carbon emissions.

One was focused on planting the flax and grass, while the other had started a weekly walking bus.

"The climate's changing and I'm really careful about how I talk about this with children.

"If we keep going on that trajectory the future for the natural world is looking pretty grim."

Pupils had been learning about natural carbon and man-made carbon, Ms Bowen said.

The walking bus was an effort to offset their carbon emissions caused by transport.

"That’s real cute."

Pupils walked the bus once a week.

Pupil Tom Canty, 10, said it was a good feeling to be able to offset the emissions.

"It’s fun but you’re also doing something good."

The plants were donated by Otago Vacuum Tank Services.

Co-owner Courtney Giddens said it was good to help the school and get involved in the project.

ben.andrews@odt.co.nz

 

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