Digitally Racing to Save the Environment
Sustainable North West Amazing Enviro Race Adapts
Community Participation - LP024-010
The issue
Lockdowns are temporary but a love for the environment is permanent. Sustainable North West have been hosting the Amazing Enviro Race in collaboration with local organisations for a decade and while COVID 19 caused many cancelled events and activities in Landcare and across the globe there was no stopping organisers from reaching young people with their message of sustainability and environmental action.
Sustainable North West organisers worked hard to ensure the race could still go ahead in a safe environment for all by using Zoom and technology to deliver a virtual race.
The solution
Using the Zoom Platform schools and organisers connected online for the day and conducted a race like no other before. The race, open to year 7-12 students and was virtually hosted by Sustainable North West and proudly sponsored by Tamworth Regional Council in collaboration with local community groups and businesses. The race offered students a fun, hands-on approach to learning about the human impact on the environment.
The impact
Over 72 students from eight different high schools across Tamworth and Gunnedah participated. Each team completed a series of challenge activities aimed at educating competitors about sustainable practices.
Topics covered by the challenges included:
Water conservation, Energy conservation, Waste reduction,Composting, Water health & fish habitat, Restoring habitat with seed bombs, Bird Habitat Digital Mapping, Team work and problem solving, Calculating your carbon footprint, Making reusable bags, Rain harvesting, Soil pH, Soil clay content, Identifying invertebrates, Water pH and salt levels
The key to the success of the event was the sponsorship from local Councils, as well as the support from many local organisations, groups and local businesses.
With over 300 challenges submitted and winning students from all schools.
Key facts
- Community groups and Local Government coming together to educate young people
- 72 kids competed in the race
- 300 questions answered
- Eight different high schools participated across the region