Today (Monday 9 March) marks the start of a week dedicated to thinking about the things we throw away.
A group of environment enthusiasts from Backworth Park Primary School got Waste Week underway in North Tyneside as they held an assembly on the importance of recycling plastic and what it does for the environment.
During the week, the school will play host to Fernando – a fish built completely out of single-use plastics, to show them the side-effects of not recycling their waste.
Cllr Carl Johnson, cabinet member with responsibility for the Environment, said: “In North Tyneside, we know the benefits that recycling brings to our environment – which is why we are delighted to support Waste Week once again.
“Waste Week is a great campaign for young people to get involved with. It raises awareness of the importance of reducing waste in a fun and memorable way. It also links in with our Wash, Squash and Recycle campaign which we run throughout the year to encourage residents to take care of the environment.
“This is just one of the many projects we are running with schools and communities across the borough. The environment is a key issue for us and getting young people involved from an early age is vital.”
A part of its waste awareness and recycling campaign, North Tyneside Council will be delivering interactive and fun filled assemblies, junk modelling workshops and unique playground pledge roadshows in schools across the borough.
Residents are also being encouraged to take simple steps to support the week, such as taking a reusable cup with them when out and about or taking reusable carrier bags when shopping.
Over the past few months, North Tyneside Council has stepped up its war on plastic waste by making it easier for local residents to recycle more materials.
Residents can now recycle a wider range of plastic items than ever before, after the council added plastic pots, tubs and trays to its new recycling contract - items that previously had to be thrown away.
The local authority has already made a pledge to reduce the number of single-use plastics used in all council-owned buildings and residents are recycling more of their household waste than ever before.
The launch of the new service follows the council’s declaration of a climate emergency in summer 2019, when councillors agreed to fast-track their Low Carbon Plan 2016-2027 to achieve a 50% reduction four years ahead of schedule.
ENDS