Empower your school students education with everything they need to know about sustainability and the circular economy!
Our Melbourne-based, award winning education program has been designed specifically for school students, and uses a hands-on approach to cover topics such as:
– why and how to recycle with plastic,
– where plastic comes from,
– the damage caused by plastic,
– and how we can all work together to solve our plastic problem.
We believe that education is a vital component for solving the issue of single-use plastic. Help us teach and inspire our future generations to create a healthier planet.
Our programs can be booked for a one hour event to six hours. Find out more and book our program for your school enquire today.
“What a sensational session!” – Rosie, Yarra Valley Grammar
Education Program Outline
Our education programs are based on STEAM principles and developed in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They have been developed in partnership with teachers, environmental scientists and plastic engineers, who have all volunteered their time.
All our education programs cover the following:
- The impact of single-use plastic (SUP) on the environment; in particular lids
- Micro-plastics and where they fit in
- How plastic is made and the life-cycle of plastic
- Ways we can all help recuse plastic lids and be more sustainable
- How we remanufacture and what products we make
- How your school or organisation can become a circular environment
- All presenters have current Working With Children Checks
Educational Trailer
Empower your school, community or organisation with hands-on education, this innovative initiative brings the principles of the circular economy directly to your doorstep.
Introducing the Mobile Solar Powered Plastic Upcycling Education Centre!
- Interactive Education: Engage in hands-on learning about the circular economy and waste transformation.
- Circular Solutions: Witness waste become valuable products through interactive demonstrations.
- Off-Grid Operation: Powered by solar panels, our trailer operates anywhere, anytime, reducing environmental impact.
- Flexible Booking: Tailor your experience, from hour-long sessions to full-day events, for any audience.
- Informative Engagement: Enjoy informative content on TV screens while our team interacts with participants.
- All-Ages Fun: Our program is engaging for all ages, promoting sustainability and action.
- Community Impact: Book the trailer to invest in your community’s sustainable future.
Our Educators
Mat Card – RRC Founder and Presenter
Mat brings to this education program a wealth of experience gained across many industries over his career. He has lived, studied and worked all over Australia and the world including Melbourne, Sydney, London and Dallas and has had the fortunate opportunity to be a stay-at-home dad for his daughter for 15 years.
As a result, he has a strong ability to communicate and present to all age groups in many settings, and is a key element of our presentations. Mat brings to his presentations his inspiring journey which lead him to found RRC. “I become fed up with my high-consumer lifestyle and decided it’s time to give back.”
Louis Walmsley – Lead Presenter & Course Co-developer
Louis has just completed his Bachelor of Global Studies/Science with an Environmental Science Extended Major and International Studies Specialisation.
He is also the Deputy Team Lead at Monash Association of Sustainability, as well as Outreach Lead at Precious Plastic Monash.
“I chose to study environmental science as I have always wanted to create positive change in the world and have often felt a deep connection to nature.”
Our Partners
Precious Plastic Monash Uni (PPM) – Co-developer, Program Partner and Presenter
Rethink Recycling Co-op is proud to be partnering with PPM, who have pioneered the Precious Plastic movement in Australia. PPM have been learning, doing and teaching plastic recycling since foundation, and have co-developed our education program. The result is an informative, immersive and interactive educational experience for all ages.
Graeme Churchward – Plastics Advisor
Graeme brings with him over 25 years of working within the plastics industry. He spent his career lecturing plastic engineering at RMIT, implementing plastic recycling systems into Marks & Spenser’s (UK), developing and delivering Q&A training courses for the Australian Management Academy, and serving on the board for the Society of Plastics Engineers Australia. Graeme has been an integral advisor and mentor to development of our programs.
Travis Burrows – Teaching advisor
Travis has been teaching plastic recycling in schools for over 10 years and is responsible for setting up micro-plastic recycling facilities in schools around Melbourne. He offers his expert advice, ideas, insights and partnership in education program development.
Design and Technology Teachers Association (DATTA) – Program partner
DATTA is a national association of teachers set up as a resource organisation who have partnered with us to help drive the implementation of plastic recycling principles and practices into schools.