Carr Hill Primary School
Tyre planters
Who are you and what you do:
The Green Champions of Carr Hill Primary School were established in the Autumn of 2016 following the installation of the Solar Panels and consist of two volunteers from each class across Key Stage 1 and 2.
The aim was to raise awareness of issues affecting our environment both at school and at home and empower them to make a positive contribution.
We developed a whole school growing project where each class in school in school engages in a friendly competition to grow a particular vegetable. We used our £300 grant to buy tools, equipment and soil. We have recycled old car tyres, enough for each class to have their own. We enjoyed the Great Carrot Grow Off, next we might try the Beetroot challenge.
What have you reduced, reused or recycled?
Our focus is going to be on reducing the amount of non recyclable material, so called single use plastic within school with a focus on packed lunches.
The Green Champions have undertaken a number of initiatives since which have undoubtedly had a positive impact on life at Carr Hill.
- School milk now delivered in plastic bottles rather than TetraPak cartons so they can be recycled.
- Ice cream in the school kitchen now bought in blocks rather than individual polystyrene tubs.
- Plastic bottle tops collected to be used in projects across school.
- Paper recycling and composting part of our daily routine.
- Used plastic pens and batteries are collected from the school and local community for recycling.
What are the plans for the future?
Last year’s project was to develop a whole school growing project where each class in school in school engages in a friendly competition to grow a particular vegetable.
We used our Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund grant to buy tools, equipment and soil to recycle old car tyres, enough for each class to have their own.
Last year we enjoyed the Great Carrot Grow Off! Next year we are looking forward to the Beetroot challenge.
Tips for other Nottinghamshire groups and residents to help them reduce, reuse or recycle:
We would recommend carrying out an audit to see just what non recyclable waste you’re buying and then look for alternatives. Recycling is great but ultimately we need to start reducing the amount of plastic we produce. If everyone makes a small change it all adds up!
