County Armagh packaging manufacturer Huhtamaki has been announced as the latest sponsor of an initiative which embeds environmental education in the classroom.
Huhtamaki (Lurgan), which is the biggest re-processor of recycled fibre in Northern Ireland, will sponsor the Eco-Schools programme in Northern Ireland which promotes hands-on learning and environmental action, both inside and outside the classroom.
Run by independent charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, the programme aims to boost environmental knowledge in early years education to help young people improve their local environment and equip them with the skills and resilience needed to address climate challenges head on.
Huhtamaki is sponsoring the Eco-School programme Litter Programme which aims to raise awareness of the impact litter has on the environment and demonstrate that litter reduction and prevention is an ongoing process involving the whole school community. It also encourages students to take action to improve their local environment through litter-picking, awareness campaigns or community events.
Schools can also raise awareness in class and at assemblies, appoint litter monitors and install more bins or move existing ones to problem areas.
Jeff Kearon, Supply Chain Manager, Huhtamaki Lurgan, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Eco Schools Litter Programme this year and supporting schools to integrate environmental education into daily learning and school culture. The programme fits perfectly with Huhtamaki’s sustainability ambitions, and we are looking forward to helping students make environmental improvements both in and outside the classroom. “
The Huhtamaki site in Dollingstown produces fiber egg cartons and cup carriers. Part of a global group headquartered in Finland, it is the leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world.
Eric Randall, CEO at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Huhtamaki to deliver of the Eco-Schools Litter topic. As the biodiversity and climate crises continue, environmental education is more important now than ever.
“The Eco-Schools programme supports schools and pupils to improve their local environment, while at the same time equipping young people with the skills and resilience needed to address climate challenges head on.”
Eco-Schools is an international environmental education programme, with local charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful operating the initiative in Northern Ireland. This year was a historic year for the programme with over half of schools in Northern Ireland reaching Green Flag status. The Eco-Schools programme is designed to allow pupils to think global but act local to help ensure that our wonderful world can look forward to a cleaner, greener future.
Find out more: https://www.eco-schoolsni.org/cgi-bin/