To mark Recycling Week 2023 (16th-22nd October), Devonshire House School’s students have launched their new Eco Ambassadors Committee and are working with the local community to promote a greener and cleaner environment.
These dedicated students have become catalysts for change, actively collaborating with the local community to tackle pressing environmental issues. The Eco Ambassadors have extended their impact beyond the school gates, contributing to the Neighbourhood Plan in consultation with the Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum, raising awareness about road pollution through banners, and hosting informative sessions with local non-profit action group, Camden CleanAir, to educate the community about the dangers of pollution and promote cleaner routes in the borough.
Excitingly, the school is also working with Accent, the school caterers, in its pledge to achieve zero food waste by 2024. The Eco Ambassador Committee is actively involved in this project, raising awareness about food waste among their peers in assembly announcements and ‘bite-size’ form time reminders.
Our Head, Henry Keighley-Elstub, expressed his enthusiasm for their community-driven initiatives: “These collaborative endeavours reflect Devonshire House School’s holistic approach to education, emphasising the importance of community involvement and environmental stewardship.
“We are immensely proud of our Eco Ambassadors’ dedication to creating a sustainable future. Their proactive engagement with the local community exemplifies the spirit of responsible citizenship and underscores our school’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible leaders.”
Inspired by a recent visit to the UK’s biggest waste sorting site Veolia’s Southwark processing facility in Peckham, the Eco Ambassador Committee has drawn up a comprehensive Recycling Policy, including the strategic placement of informative posters around the school, aiding students and staff in understanding proper recycling procedures. Additionally, the committee took the initiative to create and distribute recycling bins in common areas, facilitating a seamless recycling process for the entire school community.
In a bid to make their efforts sustainable, the Eco Ambassadors have embraced eco-friendly practices, such as utilising waterproof paper made from recycled materials and introducing reusable ice packs, with the school nurse. These initiatives not only reduce waste but also encourage a culture of conscious consumption among the students.
These efforts underline Devonshire House School’s commitment to environmental education. By actively involving the local community, the school’s Eco Ambassadors have become champions of change, inspiring others to join the movement towards a greener, cleaner future.
Interested in Devonshire House? Come and meet us at one of our Open Mornings and we will be happy to answer your questions.
