Guernsey Press

La Mare students take the initiative on litter

STUDENTS at La Mare de Carteret High School are tackling the waste problem head-on with the formation of a sustainability action group.

Published
Geography teacher, Pedro Duarte, far left, with waste prevention and recycling officer Ben Henry next to him, with members of the La Mare de Carteret High student sustainability group. Holding the bag are Eleanor Jamison, left, and Chloe Le Gallez. (Picture by Benoit Mahieux, 31523014)

Aiming to educate fellow pupils about the correct way to dispose of litter, the group held its inaugural meeting this week when waste prevention and recycling officer Ben Henry spoke to members.

The group learned about how different types of refuse is treated and discussed strategies that could be put into operation around the school.

‘You could be the pioneers,’ said Mr Henry.

Motivation to start the group arose after many of the students noticed large amounts of litter accumulating at the school each day, but were not sure how to manage it properly.

Although there are paper recycling bins around the school, the group wants implement other forms of recycling.

‘We need to look at where the problems are,’ said Year 10 pupil Eleanor Jamison.

Though primarily focused on resolving the issues in the school, the group hopes that their message will pass down to family members to enable Guernsey can progress in regards to waste management.

‘If we can educate 450 students, this can be taken home and reach over 1,000 people, the ideas can be transported,’ said geography teacher and group founder Pedro Duarte.

The team is looking to partner with Northern Trust to help fund future plans and activities.