August is Stamp Collecting Month and Australia Post said this year's sustainable gardening theme aims to educate the next generation on practical ways to improve their own health while helping the environment by encouraging sustainable gardening practices at school, home and in the community.
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Sustainable gardening was chosen in consultation with teachers and the five In the Garden stamps explore environmental sustainability, kitchen and edible gardening, plant and animal life cycles and behaviour, as well as biodiversity.
Australia Post executive general manager community and consumer Nicole Sheffield said this year's theme - In the Garden - was a great way for kids to get hands on with sustainable gardening.
"We want it to inspire the whole family to roll up their sleeves and have some fun with sustainable gardening projects," she said.
"It's the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors and learn about composting, being water-wise, and plant and animal life cycles - we're celebrating the simple things we can do, like going bird watching, planting veggies and adding food scraps to the worm farm, that make a difference."
The five stamps released for the month are set in a suburban garden in a temperate climate and feature native trees, shrubs and groundcover plants that do not require much water and attract birds and insects.
The thriving garden scene also displays a range of projects including building and tending to a worm farm, rainwater garden, nest box and veggie patch.
Stamp Collecting Month Ambassador Stephanie Alexander AO - who is a cook, restaurateur, author and founder of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation - said this year's theme intended to be a good pointer for younger Australians.
"It's vital that we educate that next generation on practical ways to support their own health and that of the environment and doing so through fun and engaging programs like Stamp Collecting Month brings it to life for them," she said.
"The sustainable gardening theme provides students and teachers across the country with the opportunity to learn more about environmental sustainability, kitchen and edible gardening, plant and animal life cycles, and biodiversity."
The stamps were designed by award-winning illustrator Andrew Hopgood, who has illustrated a number of children's books focused on sustainability and the environment.
The stamps and associated products are available in participating post offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794, and online here while stocks last.
