The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Primary school signs up to fight war on litter
Eco-friendly pupils pledge to do their bit for environment and clean up the streets
A primary school in Carnoustie has become the first in Angus to join the authority’s war on litter.
Woodlands pupils have signed up to Angus Council’s Adopt-a- Street initiative and developed their own litter prevention action plan.
The school’s eco committee signed the pledge at Carnoustie Library yesterday when they received a litter picker and hoop.
Angus South SNP MSP Graeme Dey said: “Congratulations to Woodlands Primary in becoming the first school to sign up and I look forward confidently to seeing others follow suit.
“I know from question and answer sessions I have conducted across a variety of Angus South primaries that our young people are passionate about the environment and deeply concerned by littering.”
Members of the school’s eco committee have been learning more about litter and its impact on the environment and have put together a plan to outline the contribution the school will make to reducing litter in the environment.
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They are genuinely concerned about the impact of litter and want to do everything they can to raise awareness amongst their friends and families. WENDY MURRAY
During a presentation the children were astounded to hear it can take 12 years for a cigarette butt to decompose and plastic bottles can remain in the environment for up to 1,000 years.
The children now want to raise awareness about what they have learned and also do something to help keep the area around the school clean.
Wendy Murray from Angus Clean Environments said it has been inspiring to work with the children.
She said: “They are genuinely concerned about the impact of litter and want to do everything they can to raise awareness amongst their friends and families.
“I have been really encouraged by their motivation to prevent littering and protect the local environment and wildlife.”
Angus’ Adopt-a-street has proved to be very popular since the scheme was launched late last year, with more litter picking equipment on order to meet demand.
A council spokesman said: “It’s great to see the young people at Woodlands Primary School develop the plan.
“Adopt-a-street was developed by community groups.
“Since it was launched in 2017, there has been a positive take-up with communities, with more than 30 streets signing up already.
“Working together, we hope that communities and the council can tackle the menace of litter together to create places that people are proud to call home and spaces that people can enjoy.
“Any groups or organisations interested in carrying out a clean-up day or session can find out more on the community clean up page on our website.”