Schools across region encouraged to go plastic-free

A Fife councillor has urged all schools in the region to make the move towards becoming plastic-free.

Conservative member Kathleen Leslie said Bell Baxter High in Cupar and Commercial Primary in Dunfermline were leading the way in their efforts to banish single-use plastics in their buildings.

Both schools are attempting to ban plastic water bottles and replace other items, such as plastic straws, with alternatives. Bell Baxter has got rid of polystyrene lunch boxes and returned to traditional china plates.

“Young people are well versed and particularly aware of the damage being caused to our planet by single-use plastics and what Bell Baxter and Commercial are doing is absolutely wonderful,” said Ms Leslie.

Ms Leslie and her Conservative colleagues brought a motion to Fife Council in March calling on the authority to transition away from single-use plastics, starting with Fife House and Rothesay House in Glenrothes, although it was defeated.

“Since then, we have been assured that the environment, protective services and community safety committee is looking to include this as part of its zerowaste Fife strategy,” she said.

Ms Leslie said she would be asking the council this month how far it had progressed in becoming a single-use plastics free local authority.

“There are no excuses,” she said.

“Alternatives to plastic drinks cups exist and people understand the horrifying reality of the damage plastics cause to our oceans and seas.

“Fife Council employees cannot be that different to the rest of the population and it is therefore absolutely imperative that the administration does this.”