28/11/2008

Stockport Schools sign up to become more Eco-Friendly

61 Stockport schools have pledged to become more environmentally friendly by signing up to the Eco-Schools scheme.

More than 100 representatives from schools across the borough turned up at the special Eco-Schools event organised by Stockport Council. The event was held at Stockport Guild Hall and was opened by the Mayor of Stockport Councillor Pam King.

Eco-Schools is an international award programme set up by environmental charity ENCAMS who run the Keep Britain Tidy campaign. It is designed to promote environmental awareness and sustainability in schools focusing on different topics such as waste and recycling, how children travel to school and energy.

Schools who take part look at introducing green initiatives which will have a positive impact on the environment. For example, Cale Green Primary school, pictured with the Mayor, have formed the Green Tree Crew to drive forward Eco-Schools principles and have already achieved their Bronze award. They use their tree notice board to promote their environmental campaigns to the rest of the school and are planning an allotment in the school grounds which will be up and running in the next 6 months.

Councillor Stuart Bodsworth, Executive Member for the Environment, said: "It was great to see so many schools attending this event. The Council supports the Eco-Schools scheme because it promotes understanding of environmental issues and encourages young people to start making a difference from an early age. I would encourage any school that has not signed up yet to take advantage of the help and support that Eco schools makes available."

The Eco-Schools scheme is free to register and is open to children's centres, nurseries, primary and secondary schools and schools with special status. For further information go to www.stockport.gov.uk and www.eco-schools.org.uk

Pictured is the Mayor of Stockport Councillor Pam King with Sue McGahey and 'The Green Tree Crew' from Cale Green Primary School at the Eco-Schools event at Stockport Guild Hall.