To reduce the amount of litter in the Georges River, the Georges Hall school was invited to receive free environmental education by professional educators, focusing on litter reduction and stormwater, aligned to the NSW curriculum.
Students learned about the litter problem, looked at how drains carry pollution from our streets and backyards straight to the river, and then created colourful artworks to inspire a zero litter life.
School Principal Monica Palmer said they were very lucky to have such confident young champions protecting the river.
“Their thoughtful messages and creative art explain how litter in stormwater pollutes our waterways and is dangerous to wildlife and humans,” she said.
“And, they show you how to stop litter entering in Georges River.”
Gross Pollutant Traps in this area typically collect leaf litter, silt and vegetation debris, and larger items of floatable rubbish.
But they do not collect small plastic fragments, little pieces of polystyrene, cigarette butts, fishing lines, chemicals, oils, or pathogens from organic materials like dog waste.
“So, to keep your local area clean, be a litter quitter and don’t let these items enter drains,” Ms Palmer said.
“Three of our student artwork designs have been painted on local sidewalks to encourage passersby.”
Residents can scan the QR code on the artwork to snap a photo with mascot, Zero the turtle, and learn more what you can do to reduce litter in Georges River and keep neighbourhoods clean.
More info: zerolitter.georgesriver.org.au/litter-heroes/st-marys-catholic-shcool.
Youth create ‘no littering’ art reminder
BRUSHING up on ways to keep the local area litter-free and the Georges River safe from further environmental harm, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School has been working behind the scenes with the council and the Georges Riverkeeper project.