Youngsters at Watten pre-school show signs of hope in tackling plastic pollution
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YOUNGSTERS in Watten have been learning about the dangers of plastic waste and helping to improve the environment.
The children from the pre-school centre have been carrying out a number of projects as they work towards renewing their Eco-Schools Green Flag.
The two biggest topics have been litter and waste minimisation. The youngsters carried out several litter picks, including one at Dunnet Beach where they learned about the harm plastic can cause to sea life. Linking with the local primary school, they began collecting crisp packets and bottle tops for recycling.
It was decided to make eco-bricks using plastic bottles and plastic which could not be recycled locally. Over several months staff, children and parents helped to collect plastic and make the bricks.
A spokesperson at the centre said: "The youngsters were working out how to get the plastic into the bottles and used scissors to cut up the larger pieces of plastic. Some children even carried on making the eco-bricks while at home during lockdown. Children were weighing, sorting, and counting them and we have now made over 100 and recycled approximately 30 kilograms of plastic. The next step is to use the eco-bricks to make a planter for the garden.
"Children also created a litter policy for their centre in the form of a mind-map and helped to make an anti-litter sign for displaying at the Loch Watten picnic area.
"Doing this project has given children a better understanding of how we can all reduce, re-use and recycle as well as a sense of achievement knowing that they are bringing about positive changes to their local community and the wider environment."
Plastic pollution is a global issue. The substance stays in the environment for a long time and can threaten wildlife and spread toxins. It also contributes to global warming. Almost all plastics are made from chemicals which come from the production of planet-warming fuels such as gas, oil and coal.
