Budding environmental activists across Islington have been flexing their creative muscle in the borough’s campaign against litter.Children from nine Islington schools on or close to the A1 have been taking part in the A1 Borough Schools Environmental Project aimed at tackling litter, recycling and anti-social behaviour.Juniors took part in a colouring competition to choose a colour scheme and name for their school’s very own Talking Bird Bin. In February, Islington Council presented schools with their customized bins, based on the winning entry from each school.Whenever the birds are ‘fed’, they thank people with catchphrases like “I like litter, feed me more.” This lighthearted approach is aimed at giving children an incentive to keep their school tidy and litter-free.Councillor Bridget Fox, executive member for sustainability said: “I have been really impressed by the standard of entries and the creativity shown by the children. They are proof that if young people have a real part to play in improving our environment, and can set an example to the grownups too. This is part of making Islington truly an A1 borough for everyone.”More than 550 children took part in the project, which also included a logo design competition. Older children were asked to design an eye-catching image with a slogan which will be printed on the side of new council litter bins, located on the routes to and from each school. Other activities included homework questionnaires and investigations of the school’s local environment.To promote the recycling of used clothes, students at Mount Carmel Technology College have set up a clothes recycling wheelie bin into which people are putting their unwanted clothes. These items are then being sold in TRAID charity shops. The students have also taken part in workshops on how to customize old clothes.Backed by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, it’s hoped the project, which focuses on litter, recycling and anti-social behaviour, will help make Islington’s pupils proud of where they live, go to school and play. Ends
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008