You may be aware that I have been working with some local schools to help them achieve their Plastic Free Schools Award. (Plastic Free Schools is part of Plastic Free Communities run by Surfers Against Sewage.)
I was delighted to be invited along to watch a debate in the Council Chamber at Moorlands House, home of the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
However, this was no ordinary debate. The chamber was full of 7- to 9-year-olds from Blackshaw Moor First School. They were kept in order by Councillor Adam Parkes, several other councillors and council officers.
Once all the children had had a go with their microphones, they settled down and Councillor Parkes explained about what goes on in the Chamber and the role of the council. Then the subject of the debate was introduced - Are you committed to being a Plastic Free School?
Blackshaw Moor have just started on their journey towards becoming a Plastic Free School but some of the remarks made during the debate showed that many of the pupils already have a good grasp of the problems that plastics pose to the Earth.
It was decided that we cannot avoid plastic altogether as it is extremely useful but Plastic Free Schools focusses on single use plastic. Two or three children pointed out that it ‘ruins the environment and can make people poorly’. Some were concerned that it is in our oceans causing harm to creatures such as turtles. One girl reminded us all that there was a huge island of plastic in the Pacific Ocean, three times the size of France. They discussed the fact that it doesn’t decay and will be with us forever.
The majority voted to say they were committed to being a Plastic Free School.
Although I was very impressed with the children, it made me sad listening to them. In an ideal world we shouldn’t need a debate like this.
I hope that Blackshaw Moor will continue on their Plastic Free journey and as the young people get older they will continue to do their best to avoid single use plastics and encourage others to do so as well.
Sally Perry