Sustainable Schools: Collective action towards a greener future
Local South Australian councils, education leaders, state government and community partners
- We, the undersigned, believe that all students deserve to learn and thrive within a sustainable school.
We are calling on local South Australian councils to partner with schools to make sustainability real, through better recycling systems, school gardens, tree-planting programs, community workshops, and local sustainability funding.
We also call on education leaders, state government and community partners to work together, providing leadership, funding, resources every school need to lead by example.
To help ensure that every student’s school:
- Understands the importance of sustainability in education.
- Actively contributes to a ripple effect by having sustainable responsibility embedded across year levels, facilities, and communities.
Background
Across South Australia, students have made it clear that sustainable school's matter.
We understand that limited resources can make this difficult, but we also know that a little goes a long way. Every school has the power to take meaningful steps, no matter how small, to lead by example
We have heard that:
- There is a "lack of education around climate change, and this needs to change."
- “They want to see a recycling system that actually work.”
- “My school is somewhat environmentally friendly but that doesn’t mean there isn’t more we could do"
What are we asking?
The SA SRC Sustainable Schools Campaign is asking for your support in calling on local South Australian councils, education leaders, state government and community partners:
- Provide schools with the resources and clear guidance to implement more environmentally sustainable practices.
- Ensure sustainability is embedded in school culture, from curriculum to infrastructure.
- Listen to and act on student voices, ensuring their ideas are part of building a more sustainable future.
What you can do today:
Every person can make a difference by taking action in daily life:
- Travel: walk, cycle, or take public transport when possible.
- Waste: Reduce single-use plastics, recycle correctly, and compost food scraps.
Nature: Plant trees, flowers, and gardens to support biodiversity. - Care for your environment: Pick up litter and encourage other to do the same.
Students care and they are ready to lead. What they need is support.
Show your support!
Sponsored by
To:
Local South Australian councils, education leaders, state government and community partners
From:
[Your Name]
Your petitioners request that local South Australian councils, education leaders, the state government, and community partners to ensure every South Australian high school has the tools, resources, and support to take real, practical steps towards sustainability.
We believe schools are vital places for learning and leading sustainability, not only through curriculum but also by embedding environmental responsibility into school culture, infrastructure, and community partnerships.
Practical actions such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable travel options, and biodiversity projects can make a real difference when supported effectively.
We ask that you:
- Provide clear guidance and resources so schools can take meaningful sustainability actions.
- Foster partnerships between schools, local councils, and community groups to run impactful projects.
- Listen to student voices and include their ideas in sustainability planning.
- Students are ready and eager to lead positive change but need your support to make their schools models for a greener future.
- Together, we can ensure that sustainability is not just taught—but lived—in every school across South Australia.
These are just some of the actions that schools can take within their power, especially with the support of councils for waste services, governments for funding, and communities for hands-on help.