Last year Change X were awarded €100,000 from The Tony Ryan Fund for Tipperary to spread two in primary schools across the county. One of these initiatives is Plastic Free 4 Schools. The programme was designed by social enterprise Change by Degrees and implemented by Change X. It aims to help schools reduce single use plastics, reduce waste and maximise recycling. During this initiative 49 workshops were delivered which engaged with over 4,000 students. Taking a very practical approach, schools start with concrete actions in their classrooms, followed by participating in a workshop facilitated by the Co-Founders of Change by Degrees.
As environmental issues become even more urgent, it is important to educate young people on practical every day ways they can help to reduce waste and make a difference. We have seen a notable rise in activism in this area from young people inspired by the likes of Greta Thunberg and hopefully initiatives like this will help further inspire those at primary school age to make positive changes.
The programme is designed to engage parents and local community members to maximise impact and ensure that awareness and action continues beyond the classroom. Once the children are taught about the negative impact of plastic on the environment, marine and local wildlife etc. they also influence their parents habits through buying less single use plastic and not putting cling film or tin foil in their lunch boxes. “Along with the children it has also made the teachers here so much more aware of issues related to plastic waste. I think it is also having an impact on parents when they are doing the shopping.” – Breda Conroy of Ardcroney National School.
Another positive outcome from the project which goes beyond the classroom is that 58% of the schools that took part engaged with the wider community on initiatives to reduce plastic use, this was mainly through local Tidy Towns committees and sports clubs. This ensured that its impact had as wide a reach as possible. Schools with an active plastic free policy increased from 23% to 73% while the biggest behavioural changes were a decrease in plastic bottles (up to 99% in some schools), less plastic in lunch boxes, increased awareness and improved recycling processes.
The success of Plastic Free 4 Schools lies in the fact that it’s a student led campaign and one that empowers young people to make positive changes within their school and local environment. The Community Foundation for Ireland is committed to supporting sustainable projects like through our Environment Fund and other funds.