Planting and plastics propel pupils to ponder the planet

Earth Day is an annual event held on the 22 April encouraging people to demonstrate support for environmental protection. This year's official theme is Planet vs. Plastics, with organisers calling for a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040.

Last month, children at Abbey Woods Academy took part in The Big Plastic Count, which entailed keeping track of the plastic they use. Schools, households, community groups and businesses up and down the country counted their plastic waste for a whole week in March. They uncovered that UK households are throwing away 1.7 billion pieces of plastic – every week!

The children also recently took part in a session where they planted a range of tree saplings on their school playing field.  Once the trees have grown, they will form a new hedgerow around the perimeter of the school and create enhanced wildlife habitats. Although the scrawny hedges we see along roadsides are useful to wildlife, the wider and denser they are, the greater the variety of life they can support.

Sophie Charter, Headteacher at Abbey Woods Academy, said: “At Abbey Woods, we believe it’s important that children learn about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability. Celebrating Earth Day is a great reminder to encourage us to come together and take action for a healthier planet and brighter future.”