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Encouraging future generations to take action

Schools from across Wales have been taking part in recycling schemes for years, from aluminium can collections to recycling paper, but according to Waste Awareness Wales, more needs to be done if we are to succeed in changing the nation’s habits when it comes to managing our waste.

With schools using copious amounts of paper and other items each year, as well as producing mountains of food waste every day, there are plenty of initiatives and schemes schools throughout Wales can adopt.

Those leading the way across Wales are Eco-Schools.  Currently over 1,500 Welsh schools are registered on the Eco-Schools programme which encourages pupils to engage with environmental and sustainable development issues.  It provides a highly structured system for the environment management of schools and focuses on litter and waste minimisation.  It also allows pupils to take key roles in decision-making and participation in order to reduce the environmental impact of the school.

In addition to following national programmes, there are also simple yet effective initiatives which schools can introduce including installing a compost bin for kitchen staff to use for fruit and vegetable peelings, discouraging pupils from bringing in overly-packed packed lunch as well as encouraging staff and pupils use stationery made from recycled material.

Here are some handy hints and tips compiled by Waste Awareness Wales that could be encouraged by schools (and parents) across Wales:

• Sort through last year’s school bag – many of the items such as pencils and folders can be used again and others such as note book paper can be recycled;
• School uniform that no longer fits can be handed down to younger siblings, passed on to a charity shop or taken to a local clothes recycling bank;
• Make a list before you go out shopping for new school supplies. This way you can limit impulse buying and make sure you only buy what you need;
• Look out for items made from recycled materials. From paper and pencils, to pencil cases and mouse mats, there are a wide range of innovative products available at a reasonable price;
• Get creative and cover text books in old wrapping paper or wallpaper, to keep them in good condition;
• Pack a waste-free lunch – use a reusable lunch box and containers for food, rather than storage bags that will be thrown away. Steer clear of individually packaged items and put drinks in reusable bottles, as opposed to using disposable drinks cartons. If you do put fruit in lunchboxes remember any fruit peelings or cores can be composted.

Anna Richards, manager for Waste Awareness Wales, explains why the organisation is keen for schools to reduce, reuse and recycle:

"An average UK household produces over a tonne of rubbish every year and most of it is thrown away and sent to landfill sites, which are filling up rapidly.

"We believe that helping people of all ages to understand the positive and negative impact their everyday actions can have on the environment will encourage people to become more waste aware and, ultimately, help divert rubbish away from landfill sites.

"Schools that embrace the subject of waste management can help develop responsible citizenship attitudes both at home and in the wider community which will, inevitably, have a positive impact on the environment."