Schools stick it to chewing gum

THE war against chewing gum litter is to be fought in the country’s classrooms as students are being taught to bin it.

Posters, activities and an interactive website are part of a campaign by the Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) to promote the responsible disposal of gum among young people.

The GLT was set up earlier this year to develop an action programme to tackle gum litter by changing behaviour, which is the root cause of the issue. Its members represent the chewing gum industry, a number of Government departments, business organisations, local councils and youth groups.

The Bin It resource pack being sent to all second level schools is designed for use in civic, social and political education (CPSE) classes, but may also be relevant to subjects such as geography and art. It includes teachers’ notes, resource cards, activity cards, posters and an interactive website — www.chewitbinit.com.

Environment Minister Dick Roche said it presents a colourful and interactive approach to creating awareness of the local environment and the importance of responsible chewing gum disposal.

“Young people are the future custodians of our environment, let’s all try to ensure they develop a positive attitude towards it,” he said.

Mr Roche was joined at the launch in St Brendan’s School in Bray, Co Wicklow, by Education Minister Mary Hanafin. She said the initiative will build on existing programmes in schools and raise awareness of the positive outcomes when steps are taken to protect the environment.

Food and Drink Industry Ireland, a division of employers’ body IBEC, represents the chewing gum industry on the GLT.