The current generation of Aussie kids are leading the charge for environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, both at school and at home. Many primary and high schools now have integrated sustainability programs and student Sustainability Councillors, as well as school gardens, worm farms, recycling bins and much more.
These are our Top 5 Eco Friendly fundraising ideas which not only raise awareness of the environment and sustainable practices, but raise funds at the same time.
This article has been sponsored by Expressions who are now even greener.
1. Reusable totes and tea towels from Expressions
Expressions has always been a strong supporter of sustainable practices, and for more than twenty years has been offering communities the chance to raise funds with reusable cotton tote bags and tea towels – memorable products which won’t end up in landfill after a few months. Recently Expressions announced they have gone even greener, by partnering with Compost-A-Pak to make their distribution bags 100% compostable. The new bags are made from corn and labelled to make sorting easy for schools, childcare and large group orders, and are certified for both home and industrial composting. Click here to learn more about Expressions reusable totes and tea towels.
2. Closet Clean-Out
Australian families buy twice the global average of shoes and clothes every year, meaning a lot of clothing winds up in landfill. Closet Cleanout is a zero-cost fundraiser which offers the triple bonus of helping families declutter their wardrobes, know that the clothing will be recycled responsibly, as well as helping schools raise funds. Closet Cleanout pays by the kilogram for clean clothing, shoes, hats, handbags, towels, sheets, blankets, doona covers and curtains in good condition. Click here to learn more about Closet Clean-Out.
3. Make your own beeswax wraps
Beeswax wraps are simply fabric squares that have been infused with beeswax. They make an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to single use plastic wrap, with the wax giving the fabric a water-resistant coating that helps to keep food fresh. They are perfect for wrapping sandwiches, cheese, fruit and snacks or covering jars and bowls, and are wiped clean ready for their next use. There is a wealth of DIY ‘recipes’ online for making your own beeswax wraps, such as this one from Aussie site, 1 Million Women.
There are a few options when using beeswax wraps as a fundraiser: you can sell pre-made wraps at a fete or market, sell kits so people can DIY at home, or create an event where people come in and make their own wraps as part of a workshop. Making beeswax wraps is a fun but messy event that older kids can get involved with, and younger kids love choosing the bright fabric. If you don’t have a local supplier of natural beeswax, you can buy chunks or pre-grated beeswax online.
4. Container Recycling with Envirobank
Envirobank is a program that currently operates in some Australian states, offering schools and clubs the chance to potentially earn thousands of dollars every year with container recycling. The Container Refund Scheme was set up to reduce littering in parks, beaches and public spaces by offering a 10 cent refund per container. Envirobank makes it simple for schools and other groups to coordinate their recycling efforts and take advantage of the generous refund scheme, while promoting sustainability and engaging the wider community. Learn more about container recycling here.
5. Second-hand book stall
There would be very few school fetes across the country that don’t incorporate a second-hand book stall. There are a number of benefits to buying and selling second-hand items including the fact that no pollution is made in the transfer, it saves the purchasers money, and no new resources are required to make them so it reduces the demand for paper production, and therefore less trees are cut down. Additionally, the boxes and bags often used at second-hand book stalls have also been pre-used, meaning that even items normally treated as waste have a second chance at a purposeful life. Click here to get tips for running a second-hand stall.
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