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Media Release
Ref: PR 78
Date: 8 September 2005
Send Merthyr Tydfil's Children Back to School Greener
Just before the start of a school term there is a rush to go out and buy lots of new equipment, from books and stationery to school bags and uniform. Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, as part of a Waste Awareness Wales (WAW) campaign, is asking parents across the county to do their bit for the environment and send their children back to school that little bit greener.
School uniform that no longer fits can be handed down to younger siblings, put out for the WOW collection, passed on to a charity shop or taken to a clothes recycling bank at your local bring sites. Some schools may even offer a uniform recycling scheme. Old school bags that are still in a good condition can also be donated to charity.
Good recycling habits needn’t end there – you can kit your child out with recycled stationery, such as pens, pencils and rulers made from old computer printers or recycled plastic vending cups. You can also buy pencil cases and mouse mats made from recycled tyres and new text books and writing pads made from 100% recycled paper. You can even send your child back to school in a fleece jacket made from recycled plastic drinks bottles.
Mike Thomas, Head of Environmental Services explains;
“There are many ways for parents to help the environment. By packing your child a 'waste-free’ lunch each day, you can cut down on excess packaging. If you avoid individually wrapped snacks and opt for reusable lunch boxes and drinks containers, instead of using pre-packed sandwiches, reams of cling film and sandwich bags, you can make a huge and positive difference to our environment.
“Parents can also send their children back to school with a range of environmentally-friendly stationery items, such as clipboards and mouse mats made from computer circuit boards and pens made from recycled computer printers.”
To learn more about how you can help future generations by reducing, reusing and recycling your waste please visit the website at www.wasteawarenesswales.org.uk
ENDS