Sustainability is an important element of the philosophy at Choklits Child Care and Kindergarten as we feel strongly about protecting our environment and reducing our impact on earth. We use natural materials and colours to help create our learning environments, which includes one of the biggest play areas in Melbourne.
The aim is to provide children with the knowledge and skills to become environmentally responsible. Research shows that the earlier Children are given the opportunity to learn about and connect with the environment, the more likely they are to carry those skills forward and be environmentally responsible as adults.
One of the key components of waste management is to reduce the amount of waste that needs to be managed in the first place. This begins in the planning stages to ensure that not only are centre supplies purchased in the correct amounts, but that they come in packaging that can be used within the curriculum, are made locally and are repairable. For example, we recently updated many of our room resources and the cardboard packaging was used by the toddlers for a learning experience were they build their own mobile homes.
We recycle all of our paper products at Choklits, collect plastic bags and send all of the waste from our parents and visitors coffee machine directly to specialised recycling centres. Families are often asked to bring recycled materials from home for centre projects and we encourage the continuation of our sustainability curriculum at home.
Cleaning is green at Choklits!
As many cleaning products contain toxic chemicals which can do harm to the environment and can cause health problems, we use alternatives which are biodegradable, certified as green and environmentally friendly where possible.
Many health experts now recommend against the overuse of anti-bacterial products including wipes and suggest that warm soapy water is the most effective way of removing dirt, food grease and bacteria from most surfaces. We follow these recommendations where possible without compromising health and safety.
We believe in setting the example for our children and the wider community. To save paper, we communicate electronically at Choklits. Our menus and other centre information is all published at choklits.com.au.
We encourage staff and parents to be actively involved in the monthly review of each of our policies and procedures. Choklits accommodates any new legislative changes as they occur and any issues identified as part our commitment to quality improvement. In addition, we consult with relevant recognised authorities as part of the annual review to ensure the policy contents are consistent with current research and contemporary views on best practice.
