Coles is rewarding sustainability in the school yard by giving primary schools across Australia the chance to win one of 100 outdoor benches made from 98% recycled plastic.
From today (25 May), primary schools can enter the Sustainability4Schools competition by simply explaining how they are committed to protecting the environment. The launch of the national competition comes as Coles celebrates its 10-year anniversary with REDcycle.
Each bench will be made by Melbourne-based business Replas from approximately 8250 pieces of plastic packaging.
Coles General Manager Sustainability and Property Services Kirsty Davis says the Sustainabilty4Schools competition is part of the company’s Together to Zero strategy.
“School kids are key to driving generational sustainability for the future, so we wanted to reward and recognise primary schools across Australia which are leading the way when it comes to protecting the environment,” she says.
“By giving away benches made from recycled material, we also want to help divert plastic waste from landfill and provide another practical solution to soft plastics collected in our stores.”
REDcycle founder Elizabeth Kasell says primary schools are leading the way in recycling. She encourages them to enter the competition to win an outdoor bench made from recycled plastic.
“We started REDcycle with a hired trailer collecting plastic bags at schools and delivering them to local manufacturer Replas which would recycle it to into useful products,” says Ms Kasell.
“Now a decade later, it’s great to see schools are being rewarded for their sustainability by having a chance to win a bench made from recycled plastic.
“We call the benches ‘buddy benches’ because kids can sit together in the playground, talk and enjoy each other’s company. Not only are the benches a great outcome for recycled soft plastic but they are practical and welcome additions to school playgrounds.”
The Sustainability4Schools competition will run until 5pm AEST on Friday, 4 June.
More information on the competition can be found at www.coles.com.au/sustainability4schools.