This week’s Good Sort is trying to change the world for the next generation with the help of the next generation.
Debra Atwood is sharing her knowledge with kids of all ages, keeping them safe and showing them how to save the environment in her roles at Coromandel’s preschool and swim school.
She’s an avid recycler, and the expert on what to do with lunch leftovers.
“It’s better for the planet if we recycle what we can.”
In fact, she’s so determined that she used to drive to Hamilton to recycle soft plastics until a local bin was installed.
“It’s a 100-metre walk rather than a 160km drive to drop off soft plastics,” she said.
Her dedication to sustainability has had a ripple effect, with paper towels replaced by hand towels and water off the roof used all around the preschool.
“It’s just teaching that next generation to be aware,” she said.
As the swim coach, she said she teaches kids to swim with one goal in mind.
“There’s lots of beaches in the Coromandel.”
It’s said it takes a village to raise a child, some might say in Coromandel, Debra Atwood is half the village all on her own.
