MANEA Senior College's goal to become a greener school has resulted in the College's win of the 2021 WasteSorted School of the Year.
Held on May 5, the 2021 WasteSorted Awards showcased 40 finalists across ten different categories to acknowledge innovative people and projects that work to avoid waste, recover value from waste streams and protect the environment.
Teacher in Charge, Humanities and Social Sciences, Michele Watson said Manea was so honoured to receive the award as it acknowledged the hard work of all past and present students and faculty.
"It's so vital as a College that we empower our student body to take ownership and responsibility to improve our waste outcomes as a community. One person really can make a difference," Ms Watson said.
In 2018, Manea Senior College formed a Sustainability Mentor Group to direct the college towards becoming a greener school.
Students worked with City of Bunbury Waste Education Projector Officer Joanna Walker to first evaluate and then make changes to the College's waste management system.
Part of the transition to becoming a greener school included the implementation of the three bin system for general waste, recycling and Food Organics Garden Organics.
"Introducing the three bin system reinforced the positive message that an individual does have the ability to make a difference to the world's waste management problem," Ms Watson said.
The College also removed 119 small bins from classrooms to encourage the students and staff to sort their own rubbish into the three bin system.
Year twelve student Lucy Turner said it was nice for the College to receive the award as it marked a small step forward for the community as a whole.
"Introducing the three bin system was easy and it meant we could make change. We hope other schools can get rid of their skip bins and take up the challenge to make a difference with us," Ms Turner said.
Chairman of the Waste Authority Reg Howard-Smith said the WasteSorted Awards were an opportunity to celebrate those who were making a positive waste change across Western Australia.
"Our waste champions should be applauded for making change on the ground; raising awareness; implementing programs and inspiring others to change the way they think, act and behave in relation to waste," Mr Howard-Smith said.
The City of Bunbury was joint winner of the 2021 Waste Initiative of the Year award for its Public FOGO Bins Program.