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PlasticSmart award for St Patrick’s Primary School in Glenariff
St Patrick’s Primary School in Glenariff is celebrating its new PlasticSmart status.
It received the recognition from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council after staff and pupils demonstrated an ongoing commitment to cutting down their reliance on single use plastic items.
To mark the occasion, the school enjoyed a visit from the Mayor where they showcased their ongoing good work.
Alongside waste free packed lunches made without cling film and tin foil, pupils are encouraged to use refillable drinks bottles while staff are encouraged to avoid disposable coffee cups and single use bags.
Speaking after her visit, the Mayor Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “The future of our environment depends on our young people so it is very encouraging to see how the whole school community in Glenariff is working together to make a positive difference. I was delighted to hear about their ongoing PlasticSmart commitment and I would like to offer my congratulations to everyone who has contributed towards this important accolade.”
As part of their Eco Schools project, Primary 4, 5 and 6 pupils carried out a litter pick at Waterfoot beach where they removed 14 bags of rubbish which included a large amount of plastic items and cans.
School Principal Mrs Roisin McCarry said: “We have been working hard on becoming more environmentally friendly and following the success of our whole school Waste Free Lunch challenge, the children started to talk about other ways of reducing our use of single use plastics, particularly as our milk cartons come with plastic straws which we use once and throw away. The School Council came up with the idea of writing to Dale Farm, the Straw Company and our local Council to highlight this issue. We are delighted that the Mayor has taken such an interest in our campaign. The children were very excited to know that Councillor Baird was taking time out of her very busy schedule to visit our school and talk about this venture. It provided a great boost to our efforts.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s new ‘Plastic Smart’ campaign is asking everyone to avoid single-use plastics. With the aim of becoming a ‘PlasticSmart’ Borough, Council is asking community groups, churches, businesses and residents to reduce single-use plastics such as:
- water bottles - use a refillable bottle instead
- disposable coffee cups - use a ‘keep cup’ for take-away coffee
- plastic straws - washable stainless steel straws are available
- disposable wipes - use a cloth
- plastic bags - use a bag for life
- plastic film or wrap - use a lunch box instead or buy fruit and veg loose when you can
For further information on how you can become ‘Plastic Smart’ please Email recycle@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or call 028 2766 0200.