3M Tread Lightly Caravan to teach Auckland children important environmental lessons

Auckland’s first mobile classroom containing interactive exhibits designed to teach children important environmental lessons was launched in downtown Auckland today by Maggie Barry on behalf of Minister for the Environment, Hon. Dr Nick Smith.

The 3M Tread Lightly Caravan, developed by the Urban Ecoliving Charitable Trust, is a purpose-built vehicle that is manned by qualified teaching staff when it visits schools and other venues. Eight to 12 years olds are encouraged to ‘have a go’ on the exhibits which demonstrate how individual actions have specific environmental consequences.

The mobile classroom is supported by major sponsor 3M New Zealand as part of their commitment to sustainability and care for the environment.

Gael Ogilvie, director of the Urban Ecoliving Charitable Trust, says “the caravan is designed to inspire children to care for our environment in a fun and fully interactive way that they enjoy.

“Opening up on two sides, the caravan is big enough to cater for a classroom of children – around 30 at a time,” she said.

“We hope that all visitors leave the caravan knowing how our everyday choices, about what we buy, eat, how we heat our homes and how we travel can make huge differences to the natural environment.”

Ms Ogilvie says the clean and green messages portrayed by the exhibits are simple, easy to understand and linked with the New Zealand primary and intermediate school curricula.

”We’ve already had excellent initial feedback from teachers and students alike, so we hope interest in the caravan will grow quickly based on how much schools value the experience”.

Major sponsor 3M is proud to be supporting an initiative which aligns with their brand and values.

Ah-Leen Rayner, marketing manager 3M New Zealand, says “3M is excited to be involved in this project as we strive to operate our business in a sustainable way. We are very supportive of initiatives such as this where New Zealanders are encouraged to think green.”

Development and construction of the 3M Tread Lightly Caravan occurred over a three-year period and was funded primarily by the Ministry for Environment with additional contributions from Auckland City Council, Lion Foundation, Perry Foundation, Lotteries Commission, the Department of Internal Affairs, ASB Charitable Trust and the Sir John Logan Campbell Residuary Estate.

For further information about the TLC, visit www.tread-lightly.org.