Earthworms earn Craigie SHS selection as finalist in recycling awards

9/11/00
Craigie Senior High School has been chosen as a finalist in the State 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) 2000 Awards.
The State 3R 2000 Awards, presented by the State Recycling Advisory Committee and coordinated by the Department of Environmental Protection, recognise outstanding achievements by individuals and organisations that reduce the amount of waste that would be destined for landfill.
Craigie SHS was chosen as a finalist in the secondary schools category, for its worm farming project.
Called Worms Alive-O, the project encompasses setting up commercial worm farms from mulched paper and organic scraps, planting permaculture beds fertilised by worm castings and promoting the benefits of earthworms to other schools and the community.
Students have even managed to make earthworms tasty - as worm cookies for visiting Japanese students.
Worms Alive-O is set to reach a wider audience with an educational package and website and negotiations to set up worm farms in China and Bali.
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the quality of this year's 33 finalists was a good sign that reducing waste was an increasingly high priority for Western Australian businesses and the general community.
"This is the sixth year we have held these special awards to recognise companies that help the environment by cutting back and recycling waste material and this year's field of finalists is the strongest yet," Mrs Edwardes said.
"The awards attract sponsorship by organisations with strong environmental credentials, including the Publishers National Environment Bureau, the Beverage Industry Environment Council and Waste Stream Management.
"Also, Cleanaway, Alcoa World Alumina Australia, VISY Recycling and Millennium Inorganic Chemicals have lent their reputations as environmental leaders to the awards.
"These awards recognise finalists as leaders in environmental protection through waste minimisation."
Winners in each category of the State 3R 2000 Awards will be announced at a presentation dinner on Saturday, November 11.
Media contact: Steve Manchee on 9421 7777
Photos and comments: Darryl Deacon 9401 1011