Bay of Plenty high school students are testing their environmental knowledge and skills in the annual Enviro-Challenge competition tonight.

The event sees students demonstrate environmental abilities including presenting an environmental review of their school and performing a carbon footprint audit of it.

One of the events at this year's Enviro-Challenge is a debate about the banning of plastic shopping bags.

Teams also produce a motivational environmental poster and video for use in their school and are being tested with an environmental knowledge quiz.

This year's event is at the Bay's newest and greenest school, Papamoa College.

The programme of events is supported by BayTrust, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and environmental consultancy Envirostate.

Coordinator for the Enviro-Challenge, Bridget O'Connor, says the design of the event ensures senior students appreciate and understand the environmental issues facing their high schools, local communities and New Zealand.

'The students are quick to learn that there are no simple answers to many of the challenges that they face, but that doesn't seem to daunt their enthusiasm and creativity to come up with innovative solutions,” says Bridget.

Each of the nine participating high schools receives a coaching session and an online resource kit to prepare them for the challenge day.

As well as environmental skills and knowledge, the event tests teamwork, problem solving and the ability to work under time pressure.

The winning team receives an environmental education fieldtrip.

One environmental ambassador is also selected from each school to represent them on a three-day educational programme.

The 2011 Enviro-Challenge also includes a debate on the banning of plastic shopping bags.

Students from each school will represent different stakeholders in the debate including supermarket chains, paper bag users Burger Fuel and the Ministry for the Environment.

Participating schools

Western Heights High School (Rotorua)

John Paul College (Rotorua)

Aquinas College (Tauranga)

Bethlehem College (Tauranga)

Papamoa College (Tauranga)

Katikati College (Western BOP)

Te Puke High School (Western BOP)

Whakatane High School (Whakatane)

Taupo-nui-a-tia College (Taupo)