Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN) is thrilled to celebrate the success of its Zero Waste Schools Programme in the Derry City & Strabane District Council
area. Three schools, Ebrington PS Clooney Campus, St Catherines PS Strabane and Chapel Rd PS Derry City came together to celebrate their participation in this pioneering pilot programme at the Guildhall on Wednesday 18th June.
The Zero Waste Schools Programme aims to embed Circular Economy principles and actions in schools across Northern Ireland, providing our young people with the knowledge to help them eliminate waste at their schools.
The first of its kind in N. Ireland, the three participating Derry schools became Zero Waste Champions by participating in a series of practical workshops covering topics such as food waste, waste diversion, stitching skills and challenging textile waste with partnering organisations – Tools for Solidarity, FareShare NI, Habitat for Humanity and Ostrero. This unique programme has the ambitious target of reducing consumption and introducing young people to reuse and repair as an alternative to landfill and recycling.
NIRNs Executive Director Eimear Montague comments, “The programme is key to encouraging sustainability discussions both at school and home, empowering children to become advocates for waste reduction. Engaging with our young people at an early age is necessary to change behaviours and attitudes towards products and materials as waste but rather as resources that can be used continuously through reuse and repair. We are so proud of all the schools that have participated, and our delivery partners so much has been achieved”.
Eimear continues, “By focusing on practical applications such as reuse and repair, students have learned to view discarded items as valuable resources. This shift in perspective is crucial for long-term behavioural change that prioritises sustainability.”
Lord Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairi McHugh, said: “Congratulations to the three schools on becoming the first to complete the Zero Waste Schools Programme. Every one of us has a responsibility to make a conscious effort to contribute to a Circular Economy and to prevent our waste from going to landfill by reusing and repairing our household items.”
“Our young people are our future and educating them on how they can reduce their waste and become more sustainable in their everyday life is the key to achieving our goal of a Zero Waste economy. The enthusiasm of the young people and their willingness to become Zero Waste Champions fills me with optimism that we can achieve that.”
Special thanks to the schools involved, our delivery partners, Derry City & Strabane District Council and Lord Mayor Councillor Ruairi McHugh for presenting our Zero Waste Champion schools with a certificate of completion and Zero Waste Champion Badges, a bird and bat box all made from reclaimed wood.
The success of this year’s pilot sets a promising precedent for future schools. It is a testament to the power of education in driving environmental change and the importance of engaging young people early in sustainability initiatives.
If a primary school would like to get involved in the Zero Waste Schools Programme, please contact your local council environmental department.
