Schoolchildren’s Advocacy Prompts Switch from Single-Use Plastics

“It’s really incredible that, even at such a young age, they’re showing true commitment to making sure we look after our environment.” This statement was made by Kelly Ryan, head teacher of Robert Miles Infant School in Bingham, Nottinghamshire, where a group of environmentally aware Key Stage One children have initiated a significant change. The transformation began when these pupils conveyed their concerns about disposable single-use plastics by writing letters to the school’s leadership. Consequently, reusable plastic pudding pots are now utilized during lunchtime not only at their school but also at four other institutions within the Nova Education Trust. Upon receiving this feedback, the school’s catering company agreed that a change was necessary. Mrs. Ryan remarked that it was “incredible” to observe the depth of the pupils’ care for the environment. She elaborated: “We decided as a school that caring for the environment was really important to us and made it one of our whole-school promises.” She added that “The issue of the disposable pots and not wanting that wastage every day became really big.” Amy Attwood, a Key Stage One teacher, commented: “We didn’t think a few children’s letters would make such a big difference but it’s been really nice to see the change.” She continued, “The children have been really excited to see it.” Attwood emphasized the importance of this understanding, stating, “It’s really important. We can see that our world is slowly depreciating, getting warmer by the day, and it’s really about getting them to understand the impact that has.” The implementation of reusable plastic pudding pots at Robert Miles Infant School, as well as at Birklands Primary, Firbeck Primary, Victoria Primary, and Westdale Junior, is not the sole environmental commitment of the Robert Miles Infant schoolchildren. As part of their forest school education, the children cultivate food in an on-site allotment and have daily compost monitors to ensure that food waste from their classrooms is not sent to landfill. The Nova Education Trust, which supports 15 academies across the East Midlands, has since presented the school with an internal environmental impact award in recognition of their efforts. Ash Rahman, CEO of the trust, stated: “Our young environmentalists at Robert Miles Infant School have shown us that age is no barrier to making a difference. “Their initiative has extended beyond their own school, and we’re incredibly proud of their commitment to creating a sustainable future. “We can’t wait to see what they help us to transform next.” For further updates, follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.