Abstract:

This paper describes the EcoRecycle Waste Wise Schools Program from Victoria, Australia which, through detailed planning and ongoing market research and evaluation, is contributing to widespread and sustained cultural change towards living more sustainably. Market research, in the form of surveys, focus groups and detailed case histories, indicates that the program is leading to positive outcomes for schools and their students, and that it is contributing to changes in the waste wise thinking and behaviour of the families of the children at these schools. The paper also outlines the Victorian Sustainable Schools Program, developed from the experiences of Waste Wise Schools and currently being piloted in more than 50 schools.