School uniform recycling scheme is saving money – and the planet

An innovative scheme in the Highlands aims to recycle school uniforms and pass them on to other pupils.

The scheme will give every child and young person in Argyll free access to school uniforms, cutting bills for parents.

Argyll and Bute Council has been working with churches and recycling organisations to roll out the plan across the region.

A spokeswoman said: “Argyll and Bute Council has been working with its schools and third sector partners to roll out an innovative scheme that will see school uniforms children have outgrown reused or recycled, saving money and the planet.

“The scheme will enable every child and young person to access a uniform, while contributing to the council’s vision of becoming a net-zero carbon emissions organisation by 2045.”

The scheme is already in place in South Kintyre, Helensburgh and Lomond, Bute and Cowal, and Oban and Lorn.

There are plans to launch it in Mid Argyll, North Kintyre, Islay, Mull and Tiree before the end of the summer.

Councillor Ross Moreland, climate change and environment services spokesman, said: “The school uniform scheme is a great initiative. Many items of school clothing

contain polyester, a petroleum-based material.

“Manufacturing this clothing in industrial units sends fumes into the atmosphere that damages our climate.

“Reusing uniforms reduces this toxic process. It also helps to keep down outgoings for parents.”

For more information, including how to donate uniforms and how get a pre-loved one, visit argyll-bute.gov.uk/ school-uniform-scheme

Reusing uniforms makes sense on several levels.