Recycling inspiration

LEICESTERSHIRE County Council is hoping to encourage and inspire the next generation of recyclers.

Although Leicestershire is a high performing recycling area, recycling around 48% of our rubbish, the council is looking at ways of providing engaging activities to get youngsters thinking seriously about sustainability.

One approach already well established is the council’s link-up with PALS Productions, a theatre company that incorporates interactive teaching techniques in their workshops, which focus on the themes of reducing, reusing and recycling.

Blake Pain, the county council’s cabinet member for waste management, said: “Younger generations have the potential to become conscious consumers, avid upcyclers, or environmental activists, but we need to instil an environmentally conscious mind-set at an early age, and get kids more excited about recycling and sustainability.

“School children account for about 18 per cent of Leicestershire’s population, so we have a great opportunity to reach a large number of children, and have a positive impact on the way they think consider sustainable waste issues.”

The county council has worked with PALS Productions for the past five years to deliver the educational workshops.

Throughout the two-hour sessions, children take part in a range of activities, including acting, singing, dancing, and improvising.

The county council is also offering free educational waste reduction workshops, activities and talks to, community groups and schools who have an interest in reducing waste, and living more sustainably.

More details of all of these, as well as bookings can be found online: www. leicestershire tradedservices.org.uk/ Training