TWO MONTHS AGO, Hinterland-based filmmaker Shivanii Cameron walked into Chevallum State School with a request to run the Low Carbon Diet (LCD) program with pupils.
Chevallum was happy to be involved in such an innovative program, as conservation and sustainability are important themes and objectives at the school.
The program, named “Simple Steps” was made possible from a Climate Smart grant (Department of Environment and Natural Resource Management). The LCD Community Funding Program supports organisations such as community groups, local councils and tertiary institutions to implement the Low Carbon Diet, a program to help reduce Queenslanders’ carbon footprints.
Every classroom ran its own environmental program for a four week period, measuring and recording the reduction in carbon emissions they achieved.
The students and the teachers devised various ways to achieve their goals. These included multicoloured rubbish bins, charts, the Prep Rubbish Warrior song, rubbish-free lunch boxes and they nominated monitors who were responsible for switching off the lights, computers and fans.
Recycling themes were prominent and the children produced quality powerpoint and DVD presentations. All these activities culminated in an energetic and creative assembly on Tuesday 18 May.
“I was really moved by the entire thing,” says cocoordinator Shivanii Cameron. “I had no idea they would go to such lengths, and their projects are really fantastic! The Low Carbon Diet program is supported financially by local environment group, Green Hills Maleny.
Feedback from parents has been very favourable: “I am very proud of my daughter and her efforts to be an environmental warrior!”; “ We have looked more than usual about what things are made of… thank you!”; “I love this program. My son is much better at sorting his rubbish.”
There will be a DVD produced of the ‘Simple Steps’ program, with a public screening planned for late June. The DVD will be circulated to schools to further the influence of this valuable project.
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