At our nurseries we consider protecting the environment for future generations very fitting, considering the nature of what we choose to do for a living. We have made efforts to improve our impact on the environment, such as reducing our carbon footprint by using local suppliers, re-using paper where we can and incorporating the complex issues of environment-awareness into the curriculum in as simple a way as possible. Offering 110 childcare places at both nurseries, we generate a great deal of waste. We have approached our local council for free recycling collection, but they are unable to provide this. Nor do we have much outdoor storage for waste awaiting collection.
At our nurseries we consider protecting the environment for future generations very fitting, considering the nature of what we choose to do for a living. We have made efforts to improve our impact on the environment, such as reducing our carbon footprint by using local suppliers, re-using paper where we can and incorporating the complex issues of environment-awareness into the curriculum in as simple a way as possible.
Offering 110 childcare places at both nurseries, we generate a great deal of waste. We have approached our local council for free recycling collection, but they are unable to provide this. Nor do we have much outdoor storage for waste awaiting collection.
Most nurseries have to operate to a fixed budget based on their anticipated fee income, and every penny is utilised to provide a professional service.
To re-allocate part of that budget for recycling is a difficult decision to justify to parents. It is easier to allocate funds to something that can be seen to be of immediate benefit to their children.
We feel that as recycling our waste is an issue we are frequently asked to consider to improve our environment and reduce the need for landfill sites, we should be able to do this without financial penalty, and, further, be supported by local government to find more ways to improve our 'green'
practice.
How have other private nurseries got around this problem?
Stephanie Molnar, director, Elmscot and Woodland Day Nurseries, Altrincham
