Tallebudgera Valley State School captain Ari Pollet has been inspired to think green.

 

The launch of Green Cross Australia's new environmental project the Green Lane Diary encourages younger generations towards a more sustainable and greener future.

 

Last Friday more than 10,000 primary school students across more than 80 schools in Queensland became

the first in Australia to participate in the new green program.

 

Ari came up with the idea of solar-powered water bubblers in his school captain speech.

 

"It's not just talking about being sustainable, it's about actually being sustainable," Ari said.

 

"What I reallywant to do in my school is put water bubblers on the oval so that we can run and play and not have to use plastic bottles when we get thirsty."

 

Ari loves everything about the environment.

 

"I think the environment is really cool," Ari said. "I love all the trees and all the animals."

 

Ari has two rats, a dog, and used to have goats, which have inspired him to want to go into a certain profession.

 

"Having a love for animals made me want to become a vet," Ari said.

 

Primary school teacher and one of the lead developers behind the Australian Green Lane Diary project Miranda Mason said students recognised and wanted to address environmental issues.

 

"Kids are really concerned about the environment," Ms Mason said. "They hear their parents and other adults talking

about all of these big problems and they don't understand why they can't do something about it."

 

All students in years five to seven have been invited to participate in the free project that is supported by the emerging national curriculum, CSIRO and Education Queensland.

 

Theproject will run from July through September. The students will receive a diary and a green scrapbook where they can record their environmental discoveries and activities.

 

Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson will judge the diaries in a special event in November, with the most innovative and creative students being named Green Lane Heroes.

 

For more information on how to get your school involved visit www.greenlanediary.org  

Gold Coast Mail reports.