In Northern Ireland, 183 schools with 36,000 students took part in the 2023 Litter Less Campaign. They engaged with themes such as recycling, reducing waste production, combatting marine pollution and promoting responsible consumption and production.
At Bessbrook Primary School, an assembly was held at the beginning of the campaign, and the eco-council also shared the endeavour with their classes. The students were reminded about recycling and signage was placed near the photocopier to remind staff. Students from P4-7 took part in the litter pick also so it was a group effort. The school is going to look at ways to educate and include younger students as it move forward from this. It is also included within the school’s eco-code and has also been on the most recent action plan.
At Sacred Hear Grammar Newry, the junior eco club surveyed students at lunchtime to see if they knew which bin to use for different types of litter. Following on from this the school sent information on using the school bins correctly to all junior form teachers to discuss with their class. The junior eco club also completed a litter pick once a week in the school grounds over a 6 week period. A survey and review of outdoor bin locations was then completed. Finally, as part of the Big Spring Clean, the junior and senior eco club members completed a litter pick of the school grounds and local neighbourhood area.
In 301 reported litter picks this school year, 5,885 students picked a total of 845 bags of general waste and 375 bags of recyclable waste. Participating schools submitted data from over 300 waste audits this year. In total, they found and sorted over 1000 kg of recyclable waste, 800 kg of food waste, and 800 kg of non-recyclable waste.
Additionally, over 25 schools (approximately 625 students) participated in litter picks at local beaches.