Tim helps local schoolchildren develop "Green Print" at Eco-Summit
On Friday 29th February at Worthing Town Hall Tim worked with over 150 schoolchildren and teachers representing 13 local schools, along with environmental experts, to develop a "Green Print." Drawing on the energy, enthusiasm and creative thinking of the schoolchildren and guided by the expertise of a number of local experts, 26 key points were agreed, each aimed at supporting improvements in the local environment.
Working through a Mock United Nations General Assembly format and with the help of local experts, five committees were formed covering Environment and Waste; Food, Clothing and Shopping; Energy; Transport; and the Local Area and Conservation. The Committees then worked together to draw up a series of resolutions which were debated and voted on in a plenary session, chaired by Tim acting as Secretary-General and attended by the Mayor of Worthing, Dr Heather Mercer.
Tim commented:
"Our first schools Eco-Summit has proved to be a magnificent success and I have been so impressed by the enthusiasm of those taking part to effect change locally and to ensure that the need to protect our environment is at the forefront of local policy development.
"I am only too aware that the need to manage and maintain our environment is something that exercises the young people of our area greatly. The Summit has given us a perfect opportunity both to tap into the imagination and expertise that young people have about protecting our local and global environment; and to extend examples of best practice that everyone in the local community can follow. I very much hope that we can now see many of the ideas agreed in the Charter taken forward and adopted locally in our schools and community."
East Worthing and Adur Schools Environmental Resolutions
This Eco-Summit...
1. Requires all schools in East Worthing and Adur to sign up to the Eco-Schools programme as soon as possible.
2. Encourages all schools to participate in the creation of a local "Eco-Forum" through which best practice and creative thinking can be shared.
3. Requires all schools in East Worthing and Adur to investigate how to reduce waste generating through catering - for example, developing initiatives to reduce food packaging.
4. Requires all schools in East Worthing and Adur to ensure that there are effective mechanisms in place to allow for the collection and recycling of papers, cans and plastics by the end of this academic year.
5. Encourages liaison between schools and the local community and local businesses to ensure a joined-up approach to environmental issues.
6. Considers that lost property in schools should be kept for no longer than 3 months before being given to charity if remaining uncollected.
7. Persuaded that schools should ensure that second-hand, good quality school uniform is available at cheaper rates to allow for greater re-use of items.
8. Encourages schools to consider how recycled and recycled materials can be integrated into school equipment - for example, school uniform.
9. Encourages schools to promote Fairtrade products in schools where possible.
10. Calls upon schools to use recycled stationery and equipment.
11. Believes schools should attempt to incorporate more "soft working" in the classroom: encouraging the use of soft copies for draft; promoting greater use of memory sticks; and, investigating the scope of using email for homework projects.
12. Encourages schools to make use of The Alchemist Scrap Store for materials.
13. Requires schools and pupils to switch on computers only when necessary for use.
14. Encourages schools to investigate and research the use of solar panelling for heating.
15. Considers that schools should turn down heating thermostats by a minimum of 1 degree Celsius and develop better systems for monitoring the use of energy within schools.
16. Considers that unnecessary usage of energy in schools should be documented and reported - for example, where lights are left on unnecessarily.
17. Requires schools to ensure that any new lightbulbs installed are energy efficient.
18. Encourages schools to consider the use of motion sensor lighting systems to ensure that lights are automatically switched off when not required.
19. Encourages more pupils and teachers to walk or use public transport for their journey to school.
20. Encourages the provision of cycling proficiency tests, bike sheds and wider cycle paths in an effort to persuade more pupils and teachers to cycle to school.
21. Believes that the development of an Integrated Transport System will support the environmental objectives of schools in East Worthing and Adur.
22. Believes there should be improvements to information and education on conservation issues.
23. Considers that the creation of more animal crossings will help to support the local wildlife population.
24. Requires all schools to develop a conservation area to which pupils can contribute.
25. Believes more input from younger members of the community would be beneficial to local transportation and road improvement plans.
26. Considers that anybody caught dropping chewing gum should be made to pick it up themselves.
THANK YOUS
Tim would like to thank everybody who came together to make the Eco-Summit such a big success. The pupils and staff of all the schools who participated so enthusiastically; the local experts who so willingly gave up their time and shared their knowledge; The West Sussex Youth Cabinet who assisted with the smooth running of the day; and all the staff at the Town Hall who did such a sterling job on the day.
In particular, special thanks go to West Sussex County Council; Southern Water and Marks and Spencer who each offered their financial backing to ensure the day could go ahead.
Also to My Eco Store who very kindly contributed a Trevor Baylis Eco Media Player as a competition prize. The winner will be announced shortly so please watch this space!
NEXT STEPS
Tim is currently considering how the resolutions agreed at the Summit can be taken forward. Lots of good ideas were generated and he is keen to see as many of these as possible adopted by schools and local communities. More details will appear on the website as he makes progress with this.
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