Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Pelican endeavours to conduct our activities and operations to reflect best environmental practices, in order to control and reduce our direct impact on the environment.

We are committed to:

• Ensure that the Centre is equipped with visible and convenient recycling centres, which are accessible by the Pelican community.
• Progressively reduce energy and water consumption and wastage.
• Reduce the amount of non-recycled or non-reused waste produced.
• Purchase office paper, stationery and other products that are recycled, environmentally friendly, and recyclable, where possible.
• Be creative in exploring opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle waste in all facets of Pelican's operations and administration.
• Incorporate recycling and environmental issues in the curriculum, to create awareness, and stimulate the interest in all members of the community.

In late 2015, Shellharbour City Council granted a Small Environmental Projects Fund (of $2,500) to support the service's green and sustainability curriculum. The project was to set up an indigenous and sustainable garden supported by worm and compost farms (http://www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/Live/My-Community/Financial-assistance/Small-Environmental-Projects-Fund.aspx). The key objectives of this project include:

• Further enhancing the children's learning about and respecting the natural environment and environmental sustainability
• Provide more hands-on experience for children in managing the green space
• Introduce more native plants to protect and promote biodiversity
• Reduce waste by turning food and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost and organic fertilisers which can be shared with families and the community
• Harvest food produce from plants for children's meals
• Re-generate or re-grow food from food scraps (where applicable)