Eighteen students from the Southern Lakes rubbed shoulders with environmental experts at an Enviroschools hui held in Cromwell last week.

The meeting featured four science activities where students could get involved and put questions to experts about environmental conservation.

Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC) Jessica Skelton said the three MAC students who attended with her “were inspired to try to make sustainability attractive to encourage more people to step up, get involved, and make better choices".

"It was wonderful to see the passion and ideas coming from students across the region to tackle environmental and social issues and help create more sustainable living,” Jessica said.

The students had the chance to hear about what other schools are doing to promote sustainability, reflect on what they have done in the past, and plan what they can do this year. 

Four experts delivered short presentations on topics such as slow fashion and water quality. Students also learned that while recycling is good, it isn't the whole answer but the third step in the 'reduce, reuse, recycle' mantra. 

The activities were run by Central Otago District Council waste minimisation officer Abi Hawkins, Wai Wānaka’s education lead Jose Cranfield, Wastebusters marketing and communications coordinator Catrin Smith and Otago Regional Council catchment advisor (Roxburgh and Manuherekia rohe) Becky Clements. 

Enviroschools is a nationwide programme working in early childhood education centres and schools to create healthy, peaceful and sustainable communities.

PHOTO: Supplied