Sawtry Community College Eco Action Team



	Sawtry Community College Eco Action Team







	Sawtry Community College Takes Up The Recycling Challenge

	Students at Sawtry Community College are taking up the recycling challenge in a big way – following the delivery of 150 green boxes and one recycling skip. The lorry load of boxes were delivered by Huntingdonshire District Council and some of the students were there to help unload them and distribute them around the school where they are being used for waste paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and drinks cans. The College Eco-School committee approached the council because they were collecting cans and bottles but had nowhere to put the rubbish. The college has set up a system where they can put their cans or bottles back in to a reverse vending machine for recycling and earn tokens to spend on healthy refreshments and activities. Chris Jablonski, the council’s environment team leader, who supervised the delivery, told the young people: “I am delighted you have joined in the scheme, which is now supported by a number of schools throughout the district. Recycling is important and your contribution is helping to make a difference”. Associate Principal, Alan Stevens said: “Sawtry students wanted to do their bit in helping the environment, it is an excellent scheme and I am delighted they wanted to do something to enhance the environment”. Students and teachers will be encouraged to place non confidential paper in the boxes and larger amounts of waste in the skip outside the college which will be collected on a regular basis and the contents sent for recycling. More >>



	February 2007 Report of findings

	The eco-action committee has found that, whilst the college has made some positive steps towards addressing environmental issues, there is much more that could be done. Primarily, many students are concerned about the litter situation within the college and the way that the school grounds are adapted to encourage biodiversity. There is also significant concern about the amount of energy being used and wasted. The group has noted that most of their peers are aware of environmental issues, but that there needs to be more active encouragement to maintain eco-friendly practices. Finally, it is important to note that the committee has recognised that the school has already implemented several eco-friendly practices such as the green-bin scheme, picnic tables, the new covered area (which encourage students to stay outside at break and lunch), the reverse vending machine, a new electricity metering system which is capable of feeding electricity back into the grid and healthier food in the canteen.


	Dr David Bellamy OBE “ I believe that initiatives like Reverse Vending Recycling Machines embody my belief in how we can work together to save the planet".




	Alan Stevens, Associate Principal of Sawtry Community College
	"The entire staff, students and governors are all very excited about working with Reverse Vending Corporation to develop the considerable environmental and social enterprise opportunities that the new reVend 300 reverse vending machine and away from home recycling will open up for our College and our students.”

	Action plan Stage 1 – By end of June 2007 Litter and Recycling (large scale project) More litter bins around the site at key littering areas Coloured bins for recyclable bottles/cans Green-bin for compostable waste in Hall and Refectory – rota for collection Designation of tutor group reps responsible for emptying green bins Mobile phone recycling event/scheme Compost bin bought and installed in the wildlife area Assemblies to promote recycling and litter reduction Monitoring Provide nominated students access to water and electricity meters/usage data and display this on the eco school’s board Energy Improve awareness of saving energy through visit of green-energy-machine in late April Ensure that all computers are switched off overnight; monitoring by staff/students School Grounds Students and parents day to clean and replant the pond area Visit by RSBP to identify birds on the site and assist with placement of nesting boxes Planting of trees from the woodland trust Planting of native species in the wildlife area Stage 2 – By October 2007 Litter and recycling Reduction of food packaging (plastic) or use of paper packaging Roll out of composting scheme to kitchens and staff areas Stage 3 – By June 2008 The action committee would like to thank everyone who has assisted them in completing the eco-review. Mr Short, Ms Mouland, Mr Stevens and Mr Smith were particularly helpful in answering questions about the school grounds, energy usage and healthy eating.

	Last updated 9th May 2007



	Chloe Hebden - Sawtry Community College - More >>




	Sawtry Community College
	Artcles in the Press
	............ ............................ TES Environmental Enterprise Reverse Vending Recycling Machines
	Environment Award: Sponsored by Anglia Regional Co-operative Society The pupils and teachers at Sawtry Community College were chosen for their pioneering of a new reverse vending machine – the first of its kind in a UK school.