Seedling Kids Croydon Park use Return and Earn to support charity goals

The children and educators at Seedling Kids Croydon Park are maximising the opportunities presented through the New South Wales “Return and Earn” scheme, using the money they raise from collecting cans and bottles to donate to worthy causes. 

“I am passionate about guiding children to help them understand and value sustainability and to connect with nature,” owner Angela Nucifora said, sharing her perspective that “sustainability starts with everyday practices,” and that recycling drink containers is a simple way for children to make those links. 

Environmental awareness is integrated into the centre through engaging the children in play that involves natural materials, like wood, sand and stone. Staff engage children in discussion about issues such water conservation, energy efficiency and waste reduction. Children also participate in nature walks, and grow and cook food together.

Class excursions to the local Return and Earn machine outside Magpies Sports Club have proven popular with the children. “It’s a short trip away and we usually do some composting and feed the chickens at Magpies Nest Community Garden next door,” Ms Nucifora explained. 

Five year old Alessandro said he enjoys these trips “‘cause we get to put the bottles in the machine and it eats them up.” 

A number of the children were able to articulate the role that recycling plays in being sustainable, with Sofia, aged three and a half years, saying “it’s important to recycle because it helps to keep the water and our world clean,” while four year old Chloe shared that “if you throw rubbish at the beach, animals will eat it and die.”

Return and Earn is a partnership between the NSW Government, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway. To learn more about the scheme please see here.