Sustainability
We love the world we live in and we know you do too. That’s why we’re committed to minimising the social, environmental, and ethical impact of supply chains. We try to purchase goods and services with this in mind. Here are some of the ways we’re being mindful of the world around us:
- Shop local - By shopping local we support the communities around us and reduce our carbon footprint whilst sourcing better products at great prices.
- Toxin-free cleaning - Carefully thought-out cleaning systems reduce your child’s risk of coming into contact with toxins and chemicals. Some of the product ranges we use are from New Zealand’s Ecostore including nappy balm, body washes, laundry powders, and dishwashing liquids. The Ecostore is certified as Child Labour Free.
- Resources and equipment - Our resources are high-quality, toxin-free equipment you can trust. These include BPA-free, phthalate-free, lead-free wooden cots, equipment, and high-quality toys that use natural dyes and oils. Even better, we include many natural materials: stone, metals, wood, clay, plants as well as second-hand and repurposed items.
- Energy use - We have 5kw of Solar Panels installed on the roof of our preschool. Any excess energy generated is fed back into the grid and any energy we need to buy at peak times comes from NZ’s only generator that has 100% renewable generation. Being a new centre, energy-efficient products, smart technology, and energy-efficient lighting feature throughout our preschool, further reducing energy usage and our environmental footprint.
- Grow our own - We have our vege gardens, herb gardens, and fruit trees allowing us to produce a range of tasty seasonal kai. In addition, we compost and aim to have a worm farm. Turning your food waste into the dirt is a tangible way to teach your preschooler about how “food scraps” can become something not just valuable, but vital!
- Respect for the environment - Our centre is strongly committed to making a conscious effort to weave the art of sustainability into a breathing living part of our everyday life here at Rhyme and Reason. The tamariki sort all wastes and place them in the appropriately labeled bins.
- Nappies and wipes - Our centre is fully supportive if you choose to use cloth nappies on your child instead of disposable nappies. We aim to use Environmental sourced wipes.
Toitu te marae a Tāne, toitu te marae a Tangaroa, toitu te whenua
Care for the domains of Tāne and Tangaroa and the land will sustain you