21 July 2010

Schools save 80 tonnes of waste from landfill
Students at 40 schools in Ealing have been instrumental in keeping 80 tonnes of waste out of landfills. Thanks to the pupils and a recycling programme launched just a year ago, 32 tonnes of cardboard waste and 49 tonnes of food have avoided ending up in landfills this year.

The recycling scheme was kicked off at the beginning of the 2009/2010 school year by Ealing Council. To begin with, only 15 schools were part of the programme, but another 25 schools joined during the year. Green-thinking kids have already demonstrated the hugely beneficial effect of their recycling efforts. Ealing Council is now seeking to expand the programme to the other schools in Ealing borough this September.

The recycling service launched at Wood End Junior School after one of the school's former students won a challenge to design the new livery for the school's recycling lorry. Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, Cabinet member for Environment and Transport, visited the school to praise the students for the recycling work. He also found out how the school spent a £500 prize that had been donated by Max Gurney, a recycling contractor.

Speaking to the Ealing Gazette, Councillor Mahfouz said the the students had done a fantastic job and were good role models for the borough. He added that he was delighted that the scheme is to be rolled out to other schools.

Anne Hayes, the school's Head Teacher, said that the students were keen to do their bit as the regularly discuss issues such as climate change in the classroom. She added that children also volunteer to liiter pick around the school grounds.

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