St Mary & St Michael pupils do their bit to reduce plastic

A school assembly talked about the use of new recycling bins and took children’s suggestions as to how the school could further improve.

Year 2 teacher Danielle Youlton, who is involved with the school’s recycling initiative, said it had been recycling paper and cardboard for as long as she could remember but it was last year that plastic and tin bins were purchased for each class.

‘The recycling was actually suggested by the school council to staff members who purchased the additional plastic bins.

'It seemed to stem from our whole school topic on The Plastic Tide,’ she said.

Miss Youlton said The Plastic Tide topic was first introduced to the whole school through an assembly two years ago and then became the focus in every year group’s science lessons.

‘It involved learning about how plastics are affecting our oceans and other environments, what we could do to help and all classes went on a trip to a beach to collect litter,’ she said.

Since launching the topic, pupils have visited the recycling centre and rubbish tip as well as showcasing ‘upcycled’ creations designed and made at school to learn how items can be reused rather than thrown away.

The children thought it was ‘really important’ that they recycle at school and said they help with recycling at home too.

‘I think recycling’s good because the amount of plastic we throw away, a lot of it could be recycled,’ said pupil Lucas Smith, nine.

Florence Cooper, also nine, said to ‘stop buying plastic bottles and start reusing them instead,’ was important.

Florence Boldison-Smith, 10, had done beach cleans with her Brownies group.

‘Children from other schools are recycling too which is good,’ she said.

James Mills, nine, said recycling is better for the planet and it was really important that they recycle in school: ‘It’s worrying seeing how much plastic is in the ocean and how it’s affecting animals,’ he said.

‘We think it is incredibly important to get children to recycle at school and also encourage them to do it at home. The topic raised a lot of issues about wastage and was impactful on both staff and pupils,’ said Miss Youlton.

The school is looking at taking part in Waste Week in March which tackles all forms of wastage including electricity.

‘We will continue to take their suggestions in school council meetings and act on those where we can.

‘It is great that their voice is heard and valued as contributors to the sustainability of the world,’ said Miss Youlton.