Schools in the Burnham-On-Sea area are set to get involved with a new Somerset campaign to engage an army of young warriors against waste.
‘Schools Against Waste’ will see thousands of pupils learning about everything from plastics to composting, backed by the six council partners in Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP).
A programme of 90 school visits will take place over the next year by eco-education charity Carymoor Environmental Trust.
As well as “Talking Rubbish” assemblies, each school will have classroom activities linked to the curriculum key stages, such as turning food waste into compost, learning about actions to prevent future environmental problems, and exploring the impact of plastics.
And the Carymoor experts will also spend time with staff to review the school’s current recycling and offer practical advice and support to help it waste less and recycle more.
Schools Against Waste marks the 10th anniversary of SWP’s founding. It is a key part of the build-up to Somerset’s 2020 realignment of waste services, such as the roll-out of Recycle More collections of extra materials each week and three-weekly pick-ups of shrinking levels of rubbish.
And Schools Against Waste will also support SWP’s efforts to help residents cut back on unnecessary plastic and explore better options and materials.
Cllr Derek Yeomans, chair of SWP’s governing board, said: “As they step up to make this world their own in the future, it is vital that young people understand the key environmental issues of the day, such as the crisis of plastics, and what they can do about them.”
SWP managing director Mickey Green added: “Given the important role schools play in their communities, we would like to see school students play their part in ensuring that their families, friends and neighbours all take steps to waste far less, recycle much more and save money while improving their environment.”
Somerset Waste Partnership is the local authority team managing waste and recycling services for Mendip, Sedgemoor, South Somerset and West Somerset District Councils, Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset County Council.
Primary schools that would like to know more about the activities involved in Schools Against Waste should click here. To apply for a free Schools Against Waste programme, primary schools should email education@carymoor.org.uk.
Pictured: Priorities for pupils – students exploring options to reduce and reuse items and materials rather than recycling
