Karen Player, Author at Australian Environmental Education

July 26, 2026July 26, 2026

Recycling beyond the Yellow Bin

Have you ever held an item in your hand—a spent blister pack, an old plastic toy, or a pile of dried-up markers—and hesitated over the bin?

I see it all the time! We want to do the right thing for our planet, but our household yellow council bins are only designed for specific items like rigid plastics, glass, paper and cans. When tricky materials end up in kerbside recycling, they can contaminate the system or jam machinery.

The wonderful news is that specialised collection programs are popping up all across Australia. With a few simple tweaks to your home setup, you can keep valuable resources out of landfill and support a thriving circular economy.

Here is your practical, go-to guide for recycling those tricky household materials.

Soft Plastics: Curby

Soft plastics, bread bags, cling wrap and bubble wrap—can’t go loose into your yellow bin. However, innovative smart recycling initiatives like Curby are changing the game. Curby collects soft plastics in dedicated CurbyBags, scan the QR code on the bag using their app, and drop it into a participating collection bin or kerbside program.

Check participating councils and sign up on the Curby Website.

Empty Blister Packs: Pharmacycle

Empty pill and medication blister packs are made from a composite of foil and plastic, making them impossible to separate in standard sorting facilities. Pharmacycle provides a dedicated, closed-loop recycling solution for these everyday health essentials.

Collect your empty foil-and-plastic blister packs at home and drop them into designated collection boxes at participating local pharmacies. The materials are mechanically separated into aluminium and plastic to create new products.

Locate a participating local pharmacy using the Pharmacycle Store Finder.

Tech, Ink & Stationey: Officeworks

E-waste and office supplies contain valuable metals and polymers that shouldn’t end up in the ground. Through their Bring iT Back initiative, Officeworks makes it effortless to drop off unwanted tech during your weekly errands.

Laptops, computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, hard drives, cables, and mobile phones.
Printer Cartridges: Inkjet and toner cartridges.
Used pens, markers, highlighters, mechanical pencils, and correction tape containers.

Check available drop-off stations at the Officeworks Store Locator.

Garden & Shed Essentials: Mitre 10

When decluttering the shed or refreshing the garden, Mitre 10 offers excellent in-store recycling programs to tackle common household hazards and plastic waste.

Household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, button cells) and power tool batteries can be dropped into in-store collection units (in partnership with schemes like B-cycle).
Clean, washed polypropylene plant pots and seedling trays (look for the Plastic ID 5 triangle) can be returned to participating stores to be shredded and remoulded into new pots.

Search for participating locations on the Mitre 10 Store Directory.

Pre-Loved & Broken Toys: BIG W’s Toys for Joy

Kids grow fast, and toys inevitably wear out or break. Instead of sending old playthings to landfill, BIG W has partnered with TerraCycle to launch the Toys for Joy program!

Drop your eligible pre-loved or broken toys into the dedicated wooden chest located at the front of BIG W stores. Good quality toys are donated to charity partners like the Salvation Army, while broken items are processed by TerraCycle into raw materials for building products and playground surfaces.

Learn more and find drop-off hubs via BIG W Toys for Joy.

Closing the Loop: The Basics Refresh

While specialised drop-offs handle the tricky stuff, keeping your home system simple ensures standard items are handled properly too:

Council Yellow Bin

Keep it to the Big 5: clean cardboard/paper, rigid plastic bottles and containers, glass bottles and jars, steel cans, and aluminium cans. Always give containers a quick rinse and leave items loose—never bag your recycling!

Clothing & Textiles

Good quality, wearable clothes should be donated to your local op shop or charity store. For damaged or unwearable textiles, look for specialized clothing recycling drop-boxes (such as Upparel or brand take-back programs) rather than throwing them in the general waste.

Practical Tips to Get Started at Home

Set up a “Tricky Recycling” Station: Keep a small box or tub in your laundry or pantry labeled for batteries, blister packs, soft plastics and e-waste.
Combine Trips: Keep your filled collection bags in the boot of your car and drop them off when you do your regular grocery runs or hardware trips.
When in Doubt, Check: If you aren’t sure where an item belongs, use national directories like Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You to search by item type and postcode.

Recycling isn’t about doing everything perfectly; it’s about making small, consistent choices that collectively protect our unique Australian biodiversity and ecosystems. Pick one new item to start collecting this week—you’ll be amazed at how quickly your red general waste bin shrinks!

June 1, 2026June 6, 2026

Celebrating World Environment Day 2026: Turning Global Themes into Local Action

World Environment Day is the perfect time for us to stop, look around and think about how we connect with the natural world. On the global stage for 2026, the United Nations environmental focus is all about accelerating climate action, protecting biodiversity and restoring our planet’s vital ecosystems. These are big, global concepts, but environmental action can start in your own backyard.

Dive into how we can celebrate World Environment Day 2026 together, by transforming these massive international goals into meaningful, hands-on experiences for everyone.

Why Local Biodiversity Matters

When we hear about protecting global biodiversity, it’s easy to think of far-off rainforests or polar ice caps. But Australia is home to some of the most unique wildlife on earth, and much of that magic is happening right outside your classroom or kitchen window.

By teaching children to look closely at their local environments, we shift them from passive observers to active custodians of the land. Fostering a “sense of place” helps children understand that their daily actions have a direct impact on the health of our waterways, soils, and wildlife habitats.

Get Hands-On: World Environment Day Activities

If you are looking for ways to engage this World Environment Day, here are a few of my favourite hands-on activities:

Plant a Tree to Beat the Heat: Planting native trees, shrubs, or groundcovers is one of the most effective and rewarding ways to combat the “urban heat island” effect. Trees provide vital shade, naturally cool our suburbs and create essential habitats and food sources for local wildlife. Choose a native species suited to your local soil and climate to give it the best start.
Go on a Local Wildlife Safari: You don’t need to travel to a distant national park to find incredible biodiversity. Grab a pair of binoculars or a magnifying glass, head out to the garden or local park, and look for local wildlife. From birds and lizards to the busy invertebrates in the leaf litter, observing these animals helps us understand who shares our urban ecosystems and why protecting their habitats matters.
Map Your Local Catchment: Water is our most precious resource. Take a walk to a local creek or stormwater drain and talk about where that water goes. Understanding how catchments work is vital for protecting our marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution.
Conduct a School or Home Waste Audit: Combating pollution starts with looking at what we throw away. Spend some time sorting through your bins to see what can be composted, recycled, or avoided altogether to help reduce our environmental footprint.

Let’s use World Environment Day 2026 as a stepping stone for year-round environmental action. Step outside, breathe in the fresh air, look closely at a leaf and listen to the birds. Every small action we take locally adds up to a massive difference globally.

May 13, 2026May 13, 2026

1 Million Visitors and Counting: Celebrating a Massive Milestone!

I am absolutely thrilled and humbled to share some incredible news that the Australian Environmental Education website officially reached a major milestone: 1 million unique visitors and over 2.5 million page views!

When I launched this site on Threatened Species Day back in 2019, it was born out of a simple question: “What can I do to make a difference?” My answer was to share my passion for the natural world and make science accessible, hands-on and fun for everyone.

To see that over a million people have now turned to this platform to learn about everything from the deep sea to the “hidden” biodiversity in their own backyards is beyond anything I imagined.

A Journey of Discovery

From the early days of writing about the Geologic Timescale and Noises in the Night, to more recent deep dives into Citizen Science and the Marine Environments I love so much, the goal has always been the same: to increase scientific literacy and empower the next generation of environmental stewards.

Whether you are a teacher looking for curriculum-linked resources, a parent searching for a school holiday activity, or a curious explorer, you are the reason this site exists.

What We’ve Achieved

It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the impact. Since I started, the website has grown to include:

200+ Educational Webpages: Covering everything from the water cycle to invertebrate life cycles.
120+ Blog Posts: Exploring the “why” and “how” of our natural world.
Virtual Excursions & Incursions: Reaching students across Australia (and the world!) to bring the bush and the sea into the classroom.
Citizen Science Integration: Helping thousands of you contribute to vital research through projects like FrogID and local biodiversity surveys.

Looking Ahead: From Learning to Doing

As I look toward the rest of 2026, my focus is shifting from simply “learning” about nature to “doing” more for it. My 2026 Vision is to see every backyard, schoolyard and balcony become a sanctuary for our native species.

I will continue to roll out more hands-on science activities, expand our “Science Made Easy” programs, and highlight the “underdogs” of the Australian bush—the pollinators, the fungi, and the fascinating invertebrates that keep our ecosystems thriving.

“When we understand the tiny things, we learn to respect the whole system.”

Thank You

To every teacher and parent who has shared a link in their classroom, every student who has watched a “What’s in your Backyard” video and every person who has sent me a message about a cool bug they found—thank you. You are proof that curiosity is the first step toward conservation. Let’s keep exploring, keep asking questions and keep making a difference for Australia’s unique natural heritage.

Check out the 10 most popular pages on the website.

Want to help us reach the next milestone? Share your favourite article with a friend or start a Citizen Science project in your backyard today!

March 9, 2026May 13, 2026

Exploring Our World: The Top 10 Resources

Dive into the world of nature and science as we explore the Top 10 most popular resources from the Australian Environmental Education website. Since its launch in 2019, this hub has become a cornerstone for teachers, parents and curious minds looking to understand the intricate systems that sustain our planet.

Graphics highlighting the Top 10 webpages

Here is a summary of the top 10 pages that are help us all to see the world around us.

1. Noises in the Night

Ever heard a screech in the dark and wondered what is was? This guide decodes the Australian night, helping you identify nocturnal neighbors like Owls or the rhythmic clicking of a frog.

2. The Geologic Timescale

To understand the Earth, you have to think big, millions of years big. This resource breaks down the planet’s history into eras and periods, mapping out when dinosaurs arrived and when Australia’s famous contenient appeared.

3. What is the Biosphere?

The biosphere is the thin “layer of life” wrapped around our planet. This page explains how the air (atmosphere), water (hydrosphere), and land (lithosphere) work together to keep us alive.

4. What is the Scientific Method?

Science isn’t just about knowing things; it’s about finding out. This page provides a clear roadmap for any experiment; from forming a hypothesis to drawing a final conclusion.

5. The Deep Sea

The “Abyssal Zone” is Earth’s final frontier. This summary explores the strange animals that live under crushing pressure and in total darkness, highlighting why we must protect our oceans.

6. The Solar System

Looking up is just as important as looking down! This guide covers our cosmic neighborhood, from the rocky inner planets to the gas giants. It explores how Earth’s specific position in the “Goldilocks Zone” allows life to flourish while our neighbours remain barren.

7. Why is Water Important?

In the driest inhabited continent on Earth, water is everything. This page explores why water is essential for every living cell and how it regulates the temperature of our entire planet.

8. The Natural Water Cycle

Did you know you’re drinking the same water the dinosaurs did? This resource explains the “closed system” of evaporation, transpiration, and precipitation that keeps our water moving in a never-ending loop.

9. Life Cycles

From a caterpillar’s transformation to metamorphosis of a frog, this page explores the diverse ways life begins, grows, and reproduces. It’s an essential resource for primary school students learning about the continuity of life and the different strategies animals use to survive.

10. Understanding the pH Scale

Chemistry is at the heart of the environment. This resource explains the pH scale—the measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. From the acidity of our oceans to the pH of the soil in your garden, this scale helps us monitor the health of our ecosystems.

Why These Topics?

These 10 pages alone have been viewed 615,000 times. The popularity of these pages shows that we are more curious than ever about how our world works. By understanding nature and science we become better equipped to protect the environment for the future.

Which of these is your favourite? Dive deeper into the full articles over at the Australian Environmental Education website

February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

World Wetlands Day 2026

World Wetlands Day isn’t just about celebrating the biodiversity of our swamps, mangroves, and billabongs; but a time to honour the deep cultural heritage connected to them.

The 2026 theme is “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge,” a reminder that for millennium, First Nations peoples in Australia have successfully managed and cared for these vital ecosystems.

Wetlands are more than just water filters or carbon sinks; they are living cultural landscapes. They are pantries, pharmacies, and places of deep spiritual significance. From the sophisticated fish traps of Brewarrina to the rich food bowls of Kakadu, Indigenous knowledge offers us the blueprint for sustainable wetland management.

In Australia there are 66 Ramsar sites wetlands of international importance covering about 8.3 million hectares. These sites include iconic wetlands such as Kakadu National Park, Roebuck Bay, Gippsland Lakes, Moreton Bay, Blue Lake, Macquarie Marshes and the Coorong.

Protecting these amazing ecosystem requires listening to and learning from the Traditional Custodians who know this Country best.

January 30, 2026February 1, 2026

Understanding Sharks and Marine Stewardship

Living in Sydney, we are incredibly lucky to be surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Tasman Sea. Our harbor and coastline are the heart of our city, providing a place for recreation, reflection, and connection with nature. However, recent shark incidents in our local waters have understandably caused a ripple of concern through the community.

Before we dive into the science, it is important to pause and acknowledge the individuals and families affected by these events. My heart goes out to the victims; these are deeply distressing occurrences that touch us all as a community of ocean lovers.

While these recent events are frightening, it is vital to remember that fatal shark attacks in Sydney remain incredibly rare. To understand why we might be seeing more activity lately, we have to look at the bigger picture of our marine ecology and the wild weather we’ve been experiencing.

Sydney had seen significant rainfall and unusual water current patterns. Heavy rain washes nutrients and organic matter from the land into the estuaries and open ocean, creating a “smorgasbord” that attracts baitfish. Where there are large schools of fish, larger predators naturally follow. Combined with shifting water temperatures, these environmental factors can bring sharks closer to the shore than usual. It’s a reminder that the ocean is a dynamic, wild ecosystem and not a swimming pool.

Sharks with the most attacks in Australia since 1995.

To help us understand the real risks in our waters, it’s useful to look at the data collected by the Australian Shark Incident Database. While the headlines can be scary, the numbers tell a story of rarity. When we look at the annual shark incidents per 100,000 people, the rate is incredibly low—generally staying well below 0.05. This means that even as our population grows, the likelihood of an encounter remains statistically very small. Interestingly, the data includes “provoked” incidents, such as when people touch or try to capture a shark, which reminds us that many of these interactions are preventable through respect and distance.

When we break down the species responsible for interactions since 1995, we see a clear distinction in behaviour. The White Shark has the highest number of incidents at 224, followed by the Bull Shark (61) and Tiger Shark (39). However, it is important to note that the Wobbegong—one of the sharks I often see while diving—is actually responsible for the second-highest number of interactions at 123. Crucially, there have been zero fatalities from Wobbegongs during this period, which highlights that an “attack” or “incident” is often just a defensive nipping or a case of mistaken identity in the surf.

Ultimately, these charts reinforce that the ocean is a wild space where we are guests. While the White Shark has been involved in 43 fatalities over the last 30 years, other common species like the Whaler Shark have a very low fatality rate (only 2 deaths out of 60 incidents). Understanding these statistics helps us replace fear with facts, allowing us to appreciate these magnificent creatures as a vital part of our marine ecology rather than something to be feared.

The Sharks I Know (and Love!)

As a SCUBA diver, I’ve spent countless hours below the surface, and I can tell you that most of the sharks we share our waters with are far from the “monsters” depicted in movies. In fact, seeing a shark on a dive is usually the highlight of the day!

When I’m exploring our local reefs, these are the neighbors I usually run into:

Port Jackson Sharks: These are the quintessential Sydney locals! With their harness-like markings and blunt heads, they are docile bottom-dwellers. In the winter, you can find them congregating in rocky crevices to lay their spiral-shaped egg cases.
Wobbegongs: These masters of camouflage look like a shaggy carpet (hence the name). They are incredibly relaxed, often found napping under ledges. While they deserve their space, they are a beautiful example of evolutionary adaptation.
Grey Nurse Sharks: Often called the “labradors of the sea,” these sharks look intimidating because of their protruding teeth, but they are actually quite placid. Sadly, they are a critically endangered species in New South Wales, and seeing one is a rare privilege that reminds us why conservation is so urgent.

Port Jackson shark — Port Jackson, Wobbegong and Grey Nurse Shark © John Turnbull

Wobbegong by c) John Turnbull — Port Jackson, Wobbegong and Grey Nurse Shark © John Turnbull

The Importance of Protection

Sharks play a critical role as apex predators, keeping our marine ecosystems balanced and healthy. Without them, the entire food web can collapse.

Protecting our marine environment isn’t just about the sharks; it’s about preserving the incredible biodiversity of our “Great Southern Reef.” When we advocate for marine protected areas and reduce our impact on the water, we are ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same wonders we do today.

Be SharkSmart

We can respect the ocean while still enjoying it. Being “SharkSmart” means:

Avoiding swimming at dawn and dusk.
Staying clear of murky water or large schools of baitfish.
Keeping an eye on local surf lifesaving alerts.

Look out for the SharkSmart vans, coming to a beach near you!

Find information and resources to help you reduce the risk of a close encounter with a shark at NSW beaches and estuaries.

NSW Shark Management Program

The ocean is a place of wonder, mystery, and immense power. By understanding the ecology of our coastline and the behaviour of the animals that live there, we can move from a place of fear to a place of respect.

Let’s keep exploring, stay safe, and continue to be voices for our amazing underwater world.

Want to learn more about Sydney’s marine life? Explore my Marine Ecology programs for schools and community groups!

January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Water for Wildlife

Australia is renowned for its beautiful, sunny summers but with that comes the reality of heatwaves. We can retreat indoors or cool off in a pool, our incredible native wildlife isn’t always so fortunate. Extreme temperatures can be devastating, leading to dehydration, heat stress, and even death for many animals.

Just like humans, animals need consistent access to water to regulate their body temperature and maintain essential bodily functions. During a heatwave natural water sources can dry up quickly, leaving animals vulnerable. They might have to travel long distances in extreme heat to find water, expending precious energy and increasing their risk of heat stress. Providing accessible water points can significantly reduce this struggle.

You Can Help Our Wildlife This Summer:

Provide water stations:

Refresh daily: Always use fresh, clean water. Stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mosquitoes.
Clean regularly: Scrub dishes thoroughly to prevent algae and pathogen build up.
Place in multiple spots: Offer several water sources in different locations. This helps reduce competition and caters to animals with varying preferences or territorial ranges. Consider placing some in shaded areas and some in more open spots, ensuring visibility.

Use shallow dishes & rocks:

Safety first: Opt for shallow dishes or bowls to prevent smaller birds and mammals from drowning. A ceramic plant saucer is often ideal.
Add rocks or pebbles: Place a few rocks or stones in the dish. This provides a safe perch for birds to drink without getting fully submerged and offers an escape route for insects and small creatures if they fall in.
Avoid deep containers: Buckets or deep pet bowls can be dangerous drowning hazards for smaller animals.

Offer shade:

Natural cover: Plant native trees and shrubs in your garden to provide natural shade and cooler resting spots.
Artificial shade: If you don’t have ample tree cover, consider positioning a large umbrella, a piece of old tin, or even a shade cloth near your water station. This allows animals to drink and rest in cooler conditions, away from direct sunlight.

We all can make a difference by taking these simple steps in our backyard and local area. you can provide vital support and help our wildlife survive the scorching summer months. Remember, every drop of water and every patch of shade can make a world of difference to an animal fighting for survival.

January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

2026 Vision: My Hopes for a greener, wilder Australia

As I look ahead into 2026, I feel a sense of renewed energy for the future of Environmental Education in Australia. I’ve been thinking a lot about where we are headed. We are moving past the era of just talking about the environment and we are entering an era of deep, hands-on connection.

Here are my personal hopes for what we can achieve together in 2026:

Making Citizen Science a daily habit

In 2026, I want to see Citizen Science become as common as checking the weather. I’m hoping to see more people using tools like FrogID and iNaturalist not just once a year, but every time we step outside.

My Vision: I imagine thousands of classrooms contributing real-time data to national research. There is something incredibly empowering about knowing that a photo you took of a beetle in your playground is helping scientists understand Australia’s changing biodiversity.

Exploring my local habitats; from soil to the sea

I want us to get our hands dirty and our feet wet. Australia is a megadiverse continent and so much of that magic is right under our noses.

My Vision: Whether I’m leading a coastal walk or exploring the leaf litter in a local park, I want 2026 to be the year we all reconnect with our immediate surroundings. I’m committed to highlighting the importance of the connection between land and sea. What I do in my own backyard can impact the health of our waterways and marine environments.

Celebrating Our “Hidden” Biodiversity

I love Koalas and Kangaroos as much as anyone, but I have a massive soft spot for the “underdogs” of the Australian bush.

My Vision: I’m aiming to shift the spotlight onto our fascinating invertebrates, fungi and unique marine life. In 2026, I hope to educate more people about the pollinators and decomposers that keep our ecosystems thriving. When we understand the tiny things, we learn to respect the whole system.

Turning my spaces into wildlife sanctuaries

I’ve always believed that you don’t need a massive bushland block to save a species. My hope for 2026 is that we stop seeing our gardens and schoolyards as “lawns” and start seeing them as vital wildlife corridors.

My Vision: I want to see a Frog Hotel or an Insect Resort in every backyard. By creating these small pockets of habitat, I know we can provide a lifeline for the native bees, lizards, and birds that call our local areas home.

Moving from “Learning” to “Doing”

The most important shift I’m pushing for is moving from passive learning to active stewardship.

My Vision: I want every one of my lessons and blog posts to spark a “What can I do?” moment. Whether it’s joining a local Coastcare or Bushcare group or simply choosing to plant one native shrub, I want every Australian to feel like a capable protector of our unique natural heritage.

Are you ready to join me in making 2026 a year of action? I’ve put together heaps of hands-on science activities and citizen science guides to help get you started. Just look under the Activities tab. There are also lots of free learning resources under the Education Resources tab.

December 29, 2025December 29, 2025

Kickstart 2026 with Citizen Science!

Ready to make 2026 a year of discovery, connection and impact? Dive into Citizen Science and explore real research programs happening across NSW and beyond! From backyard bird watching to coastal microplastic mapping, there’s something for everyone. Every observation helps scientists protect our amazing environment.

water colour graphic depicting the animals of some citizen science projects

Join the Great Cicada Blitz by recording insect sightings via iNaturalist.
Support freshwater turtle conservation with 1 Million Turtles.
Use the FrogID app to record frog calls — Australia’s biggest frog count!
Spot and report koalas using I Spy Koala.
Share dolphin sightings with East Coast Dolphin Watch.
Dive into waterway health with Waterbug Blitz
Help map shore microplastics with AUSMAP.
Love birds? Birds in Backyards helps track birds big and small right where you live.

Citizen Science programs help it builds huge datasets that researchers use to understand biodiversity, monitor environmental change and make better conservation decisions.

Whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or just curious, 2026 is the perfect year to step outside, start observing and become part of science in action!

December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

Where are all the Christmas beetles?

Christmas beetles Anoplognathus spp are a group of iconic Australian insects that emerge in early spring and are associated with Christmas. In the past, millions of these large, colourful beetles used to fly around in December and January.

You can become a citizen scientist and help us track Australia’s Christmas beetle population! Beetles start emerging in November and will continue to fly until late January. If you see a suspected Christmas beetle, take a photo and upload to iNaturalist.

Christmas Beetles have vibrant colours and the adults emerge close to the Christmas period. Christmas Beetles come from surrounding bush and feed on eucalyptus leaves. The larvae are white and C-shaped, similar to those of flower chafers and stag beetles and feed on grass roots.

Tips for identifying Christmas Beetle can be found on the Australian Museum website. You can also download the Xmas Beetles ID Guide mobile app.

Australian Museum