School kids’ eyes opened to the benefits of recycling

SIFTING through dozens of used paint tins isn’t most people’s idea of fun — but then little Sinéad Lane cares more about recycling than most.

Sinéad was happy to show her enthusiasm for protecting the environment as part of Baltydaniel National School’s tour of recycling facilities in north Cork.

The senior infant pupil was among a sizeable group, from one of Cork’s most environmentally-aware schools, who used the tour to further their already extensive knowledge.

Principal Michael Walsh said the school was piloting a litter and waste management programme, and added pupils had learnt a lot from the tour.

“We are taking our motto of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle a little further and this was a way of putting it into practice,” he said.

“This is to make the children aware of recycling facilities available to them in the north Cork area.

Last year, the New Twopothouse school was awarded Green School status by An Taisce, rewarding their exemplary in-house recycling efforts.

In addition to recycling their waste, the school have encouraged the children to compost, shred paper and plant flowers.

According to 10-year old Fiona O’Regan, who is on the Green School committee, it has worked a treat.

“There’s a lot of responsibility involved. You need to be able to organise everyone, and we have a rota for bringing out the compost bins” she said.

“Shredding the paper is the best part. It’s such an easy thing to do, yet it’s a very good way of recycling.”

Teacher Kathleen Murphy said the aim of the recycling projects are to encourage the children to take the notion of recycling through life with them.

“We get the children to re-use lunch-boxes and bottles, and take their rubbish home with them” said Ms Murphy.

“It’s education for life, the children are very lucky to be learning this now, as they will hopefully take it through their lives.”