He's arrived

Dr Matthew Martin of St. Mary's College, Queen's University has arrived to work with our year 9 eco warriors. He is attending every class catching up with all the research already completed and the plans laid, and the class are learning from him how to use writing to get something done about the issues their research is turning up. Watch out for: blogs; letters to the press; letters to politicians; scripts for assembly; notes to staff; notices for form classes; posters in classrooms and all sorts of other pieces of writing.

9 Donard are watching you.

Volunteers from 9 Donard set up an eco patrol at 4.00pm today, the time at which the electricity tarif goes up. They have the data which reveals who left their room in eco-friendly fashion, and who forgot!

Wee Bin Hoke

We completed a very minor bin hoke compared to last year's marathon. We examined all the blue bins and grey bins for contamination and for recyclable items headed for landfill by mistake. 9Donard found that most blue bins were being used properly and that very few were contaminated. A much greater problem was that in many cases grey bins contained plastic drinks bottles which could have been recyled if they had gone into the right bin. 9Donard is now setting about channelling messages to all students and all teachers with reminders about the use of the bins. The next big job is to see how we can get ourselves recycling bins for outside and for the canteen.

Eco Progress

Year 9 are going great guns with their work for their Silver Award. Iana and Karen staffed a stall on Open Day, raising awareness with leaflets, and testing people on their quiz. They displayed products made with recycled materials: schoolbags, pencils, rulers, pencil cases, pens and also bio friendly washing powder. The classes have audited taps for drips, switches for wasted electricity, bins for contaminated litter, food for excess food miles etc. One class has decided to focus on challenging local fast food restaurants which use plastic bags and polystyrene boxes. One class has decided to try to support teachers in being eco-friendly at the end of a school day. One class has decided to focus on closing the recycling gap and encouraging local shops to stock products made from recycled materials. They might even take to selling stationery products themselves.