Sustainability in Childcare: Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

For many childcare centres, the topic of sustainability can feel like a big task—something that requires funding, policy overhauls, or complex certification processes. But in reality, creating a more sustainable early learning environment often starts with small, intentional changes.

And those changes don’t just benefit the planet—they support children’s learning, encourage responsibility, and help build a sense of connection to the world around them.

Let’s explore how your centre can embrace sustainability in ways that are practical, achievable, and genuinely impactful.

Why Sustainability Belongs in Early Childhood Education

Children are naturally curious about the world. They’re keen observers of nature, excited by bugs and trees, and quick to ask big questions about where things come from and where they go.

Embedding sustainability into your centre’s practices not only nurtures environmental awareness, it also supports key outcomes from the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)—like children becoming socially responsible and showing respect for the environment. But perhaps more importantly, it models the values we want children to carry into the future: care, respect, and responsibility.

1. Re-imagine Your Centre’s Use of Resources

From craft materials to paper towels, childcare centres go through a lot of supplies. Rethinking how materials are used, sourced, and reused can dramatically cut down on waste—without cutting corners.

Practical tips:

Introduce a ‘reuse station’: Set up a shelf or tub with scrap paper, fabric offcuts, and leftover materials for children to use freely in their creations.
Choose reusables where possible: Swap paper towels for washable cloths in the art area, or use silicone mats instead of baking paper during cooking experiences.
Buy in bulk: Purchasing in larger quantities can reduce packaging waste (and costs!).

2. Make Nature a Bigger Part of Everyday Learning

You don’t need a large garden to help children connect with nature. Even small changes can help foster a respect for the environment and an understanding of how ecosystems work.

Practical tips:

Grow something simple: Herbs in pots, tomatoes in tubs, or a small worm farm are great low-maintenance starters that still provide rich learning opportunities.
Let children care for plants: Watering, weeding, and harvesting—even in tiny ways—helps them build a relationship with the natural world.
Spend more time outdoors: Use verandas, courtyards or even shady spots for reading or art—reducing the need for artificial lighting and giving children more contact with fresh air.

3. Create Low-Waste Meal Times

Meal and snack times can create a surprising amount of waste. Shifting to low-waste approaches can be simple with the right routines and support from families.

Practical tips:

Ditch single-use plastics: Use washable plates, cups, and utensils—even for picnics or special events.
Compost food scraps: Set up a compost bin or work with a local garden group that can collect your scraps.
Get families involved: Encourage waste-free lunchboxes and share ideas for packaging alternatives (like beeswax wraps or bento boxes).

4. Involve the Children in the Process

Sustainability becomes more meaningful when children are active participants rather than passive observers. This doesn't mean adding more to your plate—it means finding small ways to let children lead.

Practical tips:

Create jobs with purpose: Children can sort recyclables, help check the veggie garden, or monitor lights being switched off.
Start with questions: Ask, “What could we do with this empty box?” or “Where should this go—recycling or rubbish?” to spark critical thinking.
Celebrate their ideas: Document children’s sustainability suggestions in your programming or reflection boards—it encourages ownership.

5. Build a Culture of Everyday Consciousness

Ultimately, sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a culture where small, thoughtful decisions are the norm. That culture starts with the way educators speak, model, and plan. It shows up in how we involve families, respond to children’s interests, and work together as a team. When sustainability is woven into the fabric of the day—not tacked on as a theme—it becomes something that children grow up seeing as natural.

At Little Champions, we believe small changes lead to lasting impact—not just for the environment, but for the well-being of your children and staff. Get in touch today and ask about our incursion programs. from Multi-Sports and Zumba to Yoga and Languages.

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