Sharp surprise for crew
Students from Mangere Central School got a sharp surprise when they joined in a recent Sir Peter Blake Trust beach clean-up day.
TrustLine newsletter, Nov 2008
The 81 students were joined by Westpac staff on a beach at the end of Renton Rd, near Auckland Airport. They were amazed at how much glass was scattered on the shore.
Sir Peter Blake Trust General Manager Vicki Watson says students used a sweep method to comb the beach for marine debris, dragging up more than 7000 fragments of glass — as well as three tyres, a car axle and plenty of plastic rubbish.
“The idea was for the students to experience the situation of marine debris first hand and gain an appreciation for the marine environment and the impact of human behaviour,” Ms Watson says. “It was really inspiring to see how the children were so motivated to make a difference.”
The event was part of the Sir Peter Blake Trust’s ‘Care for our Coast’ programme, which encourages schools to adopt a beach, regularly remove rubbish and monitor the impact of their efforts. Supported by an ASB Community Trust grant, the programme is an environmental education tool that aims to create a more sustainable future.
It has three steps: a teachers’ resource; taking action with a coastal clean-up and a Red Socks Day, celebrating the memory of Sir Peter Blake and the students’ hard work in and out of the classroom.
For more information on how to get involved, contact Emily Rubin by email: