The Aroha Early Learning Centre is a childcare facility based in Gore.  They took part in the 'Quick Steps' programme run by Environment Southland, and funded by WasteNet Southland, and subsequently have made the following changes to the way they do business: 

• Microfibre cloths are now used instead of cleaning chemicals, Lynda is promoting the use of micro-fibre cloths these to others
   
• Children now use an individual hand towel for hands, rather than disposable towels
   
• Printing has been reduced as there is now much more use of the website and email for information such as newsletters going to parents
   
• Worm farming has been investigated and a plan for this has been developed
   
• Energy and ingredient intensive play-dough has been replaced with clay
   
• The centre is part of the “Paper 4 Trees” paper recycling programme
  
• Electricity use being monitored and hot water identified as a high waste area