WhatSUP? Rethinking Single Use Plastic Training
Plastic has made life possible, bringing greater conveniences to people around the world. It has enabled great innovations and it lasts longer than a lifetime BUT more than 40% is used just once (Single Use Plastic SUP) and then thrown ‘away’… but where is ‘away’?
This is just one of the questions we ask as part of our training and workshop programme under the project WhatSUP? – Rethinking Single Use Plastic – which we can deliver to schools and community groups across the county. Our training, advice and support will help give you ways of exploring the difference between single use plastic and more sustainable alternatives. It will inspire everyone to take positive action to reduce, refill and reuse, and so play a part in improving our local and global environment.
We can help you develop and expand your work on recycling as well as plan for arts projects, explore the links to Eco Schools, inspire local community action and link to school values and art enrichment to protect our world. We are happy to tailor this training to meet your needs.
You may find the following websites useful:
Litter Free Dorset School Resources
Why is plastic a problem?
Recycled Collection
This Key Stage 1 & 2 collection is a firm favourite with an important underlying message. This collection is very versatile and can be used to support many areas of the curriculum including Citizenship and Design Technology as well as important issues such as Sustainability and The Environment. There are many diverse objects made from recycled materials, including a notebook made from elephant dung, tyre shoes, a necklace made from flip-flops and photographs of recycling in Ghana, Thailand and India. There are lots of interesting teaching materials, activities and ideas for things to make with recycled materials.
Recycled Toys Collection
This Key Stage 1 & 2 collection is an excellent resource which can be used to support Design Technology and Science with a focus on vehicles and moving toys. This collection provides a hands-on opportunity for children to explore toys from around the world, many of which have moving parts, to stimulate their own imagination. The toys are fun and diverse and also lend themselves to stimulating discussions on the uses of recycling and reclaimed materials.
“All of the children and staff had a really enjoyable session and they were full of it after the workshops. Some parents commented that their children have gone home and been quite militant about the plastic their family are using - so wonderful to see the message has stuck with them!”
Headteacher, St James’ CE First School, Alderholt
“Avoiding waste is the one thing we can all do to help save the planet.”
— Sir David Attenborough
“Practical ideas on reducing waste. There was plenty of time to reflect and decide on what changes each one of us need to make. There were clear examples linked to the global problems as well as those faced at a local level. The pupils found this easier to relate to and were very much inspired by the topic.”
“We were given an inspirational assembly on reducing waste which lead to deeper thinking from our pupils. The workshop helped further these ideas. With the world in its current state we need to be seeking out more opportunities to engage with our children as they will be the ones shaping the future on such an important issue. This proved to be a great starting point.”
– Staff at Allenbourn Middle School - Year 6 Values Day