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Local school strikes gold in environmental awards
A prestigious award has found its way to one of the most environmentally friendly schools around, thanks to children in a small village near Frome.
The students, staff, parents and governors at the Beckington First school have implemented a range of simple initiatives to cut down on waste and save energy. The programme is led by pupils on the “eco-committee” who make sure lights and appliances are turned off after use and fruit waste is collected and composted. The school has also recently installed solar panels on the roof that will generate green electricity and cut fuel costs all year round.
As a result of these and many other initiatives they joined an elite group of 12 schools in Somerset to be awarded gold in the 2008 SWAP (Somerset Waste Action Programme) environmental awards earlier this year.
Rupert Farthing, SWAP’s Programme Manager visited the school last week to present the award and was impressed by what he found. “As soon as you walk in the door it’s clear how important environmental issues are. In particular seeing the simple things that are part of the schools ethos, like turning off lights when they’re not in use. Everyone is involved and everyone is behind it, so you can’t help thinking this is a school that has not just changed itself, it’s raised the profile of environmental issues in the whole community.”
Beckington’s head teacher, Claire Chantler agreed. “Having recently joined Beckington, I feel proud to be part of a school that is so aware of the issues surrounding our environment. The children, staff and parents are constantly looking for more ways in which we can save energy and become more environmentally friendly. Our children show great respect for their surroundings and the eco committee are a dedicated team who ensure that everyone is playing their part.”.
In addition to the SWAP award the school has also just won the regional Sustainable Schools award, competing against schools from across the region, and is in the running to win the national equivalent, to be announced later this month.
For more information on recycling and waste in Somerset, including advice on how you can reduce the amount you produce, log on to www.somersetwaste.gov.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
About the Somerset Waste Partnership:
The Somerset Waste Partnership manages waste and recycling services on behalf of Mendip, South Somerset, Sedgemoor and West Somerset District Councils, Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset County Council.
The SWAP team are based at the Carymoor Environmental Centre and are funded by Somerset Waste Partnership.
In the last year SWAP provided 259 school visits, 124 community group visits and attended 84 events and roadshows.
Anyone interested in receiving a SWAP visit can contact 01963 (351350) or email rf.swap@carymoor.org.uk
13 October 2008
For further details contact Mark Blaker
01823 625714
Email: mark.blaker@somersetwaste.gov.uk
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