Our Commitment to Sustainability

Have You Heard of World YMCA Vision 2030?

For the first time, YMCAs around the globe are uniting under a shared vision for 2030. This ambitious plan serves as a roadmap to guide our efforts towards creating a just, sustainable and equitable world. Closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Vision 2030 empowers communities and young people worldwide to work towards this transformative future.

A Sustainable and Regenerated Planet

One of the pillars of Vision 2030 is creating a sustainable and regenerated planet. We believe in committing to the protection and regeneration of our environment, aiming for a world where humans live in harmony with nature.

Our Goal

By 2026, we aim to be a carbon-neutral organisation that exemplifies environmental regeneration, climate justice and youth-led sustainability solutions.

Our Focus

Developing a Roadmap

We are creating a clear plan that outlines measurable and meaningful progress towards becoming a carbon-neutral organisation.

Engaging the Community

We aim to inspire and engage our members, staff, volunteers and community partners to practice and champion environmental responsibility.

Early Education on Sustainability

At Y Whittlesea, we start educating young people about sustainability in our Early Years centres. We have made sustainability and recycling a significant focus over the last months in all our Early Learning centres.

Some of the Key Initiatives across the Y Whittlesea Early Years are:

Gardening

Age-appropriate Gardening Experiences are available from nursery room to Kinder room, some of these activities include:

– Babies help plant and pick herbs, introducing them to gardening through sensory experiences.

– Toddlers use watering cans to care for plants, using water from tanks or leftover drink bottles.

– Children tend to our veggie garden, using the produce in our daily meals.

– Learning about composting and maintaining a compost bin.

– Community Garden, where children and their families participate in gardening activities.

Sustainability Calendar

Highlights various activities and initiatives each month.

Recycling and Donation Stations

Teaches children the importance of recycling and help us collect materials for creative projects.

Creative Recycling Crafts and Art Projects

Children and educators engage in art projects using recycled materials. For example, our Musical Wall at MPHCC is crafted from repurposed pots and pans generously donated by our families. At Eucalyptus Parade Kindergarten, we’ve created a Pizza Oven from reused cardboard boxes and recyclable yogurt lids. Meanwhile, our Robots at Orchard Road are made entirely from recycled materials.

Nature Art

Children use natural materials in art projects.

Incursions about Sustainability

Such as Recycling Man incursion, Heathy Harold incursions, Woolworths healthy eating program, water bugs discovery, etc.

Excursions to Connect with Nature and the Community

Such as Community walks, Bush Kinder, Water Watch Program, etc.

Recycling and Loose Parts Play

Children create their own play using recycled materials like boxes, plastic ducting and old tires, fostering creativity and exploration.

Healthy Eating and Cooking

The children gain knowledge about different foods, their origins, food preparation, kitchen safety, healthy eating and how food keeps our bodies healthy. 

Conclusion

It’s never too early to start educating about sustainability. By starting at a young age, we prepare future generations for a world where humans live in harmony with nature.

To learn more about Vision 2030, check out our “Mission, Vision, and Values” on the link below:

Mission, vision and values – The Y Whittlesea (ymca.org.au)

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