A NEWTON Abbot school is taking bold steps towards a greener future.
Teign School in Kingsteignton has formed a new ‘eco-committee’ of students who are committed to securing the school’s Eco-Schools Green Flag Accreditation.
This initiative is led by a group of students from Years 7 to Year 13, who are deeply concerned about global environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and the unsustainable use of resources.
The committee is following the Eco-Schools Programme, a seven-step framework designed to guide schools in their efforts to improve their environmental impact.
With biodiversity, healthy living, and waste management as the committee’s key action areas, Teign students have embraced their new leadership roles, with senior members mentoring younger pupils as they work towards positive change.
Students are currently fundraising by selling merchandise of the committee’s mascot called Fred, the outdoor recycling bin.
The Fred Campaign has been a school wide movement fighting against waste.
Fred is the school’s first official outside recycling bin and the fundraising aim is to provide more similar bins.
A social media account Help Feed Fred has been set up to share ideas and progress with students.
Other initiatives include a bug hotel and a fruit exchange initiative to promote healthy eating and reduce food waste.
The committee hosted its first workshop with Resource Futures from Devon County Council. Students learned valuable lessons about the waste hierarchy and the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.
As part of the workshop, the students collected data for their first waste audit, scheduled for April.
Lucie Wagner, Head of School at Teign Academy, said: ‘With exceptional student leaders driving the effort, Teign School’s Eco Committee is well on its way to making a significant difference.
‘The students’ hard work and dedication are setting an example for their peers, and the school is proud to be part of the global push for sustainability and environmental protection.’