As an early childhood education leader, you know sustainability matters - it's in the Framework, the NQF, and families are coming to expect it. But putting out a recycling bin and hoping for the best isn't enough anymore. You want to do more, but where do you start?

Having worked with numerous early childhood services, I've seen firsthand how sustainability can feel overwhelming. But I've also witnessed the transformative impact when centres get it right. In a world where sustainability challenges grow increasingly complex, your early childhood service has unparalleled potential to be a true change-maker.

Why Your Role Matters More Than You Think

Think about it - there are very few other places where you can have such a profound impact on how people understand the world and their place in it. When you help children develop sustainable mindsets and behaviours early, you're not just meeting framework requirements - you're shaping the future. Imagine your centre as a place where sustai...

I promised to share a bit more insight on my first tip for engaging others in your sustainability programs and initiatives - Don't Make it Extra.

When you're trying to embed sustainability, or make any type of change for that matter, the first objection you often come up against is 'I don't have time for that!'.  Your team will probably feel like this is yet ANOTHER thing they have to add to their to-do list.  No-one wants to do more, especially if it's not something they are particularly interested in or passionate about.

My advice, create time and space for sustainability by considering all that you are currently doing.  Is there anything you can stop doing?  Something that you've been doing forever but doesn't bring much benefit or create value in your practice.  People always complain about having to do something that is a waste if time - that's a good place to start.

You can also consider what you have in place, and how you could tweak things to incorporate more sustainability....