Up to 40% of what is currently placed in recycling bins is contaminated. And with new EU recycling targets, which are expected to be higher, proactive steps must be taken to address recycling issues in Ireland.
Repak has created the ‘Recycle and Change for the Better’ educational programme to encourage best recycling practices and in response to the rising levels of recycling bin contamination.
The programme will target 1st to 6th class students across 3,300 primary schools nationwide, reaching over 398,812 children. The aim is to transform students into enthusiastic recycling ambassadors, influencing their family and friends in turn.
Five videos have been created with recycling characters as resources. Their job is to help inform students on the benefits of proper recycling.
Below, Cormac the Can explains why it’s so important cans are recycled:
And students learn why contamination is very bad for recycling:
Other characters include Bridget The Bottle, Jenny The Jam Jar and Bobby The Box.
What has been sent to schools?
Each school will be issued with a pack containing engaging and educational lesson plans, recycling quizzes, colouring sheets, fun facts and recycling projects relating to best recycling practices for the five pillars of recycling:
- glass
- cardboard
- plastic
- aluminium
- waste contamination
There are downloadable resources that both parents and teachers can use in tandem with the programme. Packs sent to schools are linked heavily with the SPHE curriculum.
Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten said he was delighted to be at O’Connell CBS Primary School to launch the programme.
"How to recycle and what to recycle is something we probably all need to work harder on," the Minister said.
"Education is key to this and if every child here today brings home the message of any of the engaging characters that form part of this Programme, it will be a good start.".
CEO of Repak, Seamus Clancy, said he that the campaign will strive to change behaviors among students towards better recycling.
"Given that 40% of what goes currently in our recycling bins is contaminated, we must act now" Clancy said.
"This educational programme is an investment in our future. Children are our future; they will help us reach our targets and change Ireland for the better."
The ‘Recycle and Change for Better’ schools programme is being funded by 2,107 participating member companies. Repak will continue to measure recycling levels across the key packaging materials addressed in the programme, which include cardboard, aluminium, glass and plastic.
For more information on the campaign, including downloadable resources, click here.
