towards a greener environment
As a school, we have been environmentally aware for many years, though some plans (particularly those involving the school garden) have had to be put on hold until next year.
The following is an outline of where
we stand environmentally, October 2003, as we approach the completion
of our new school building and submit our application for a green flag.
Recycling
Cans
We first became involved with Recoverable Resources
and can recycling about twelve years ago as part of a Sixth Class project
and it has gone from strength to strength. Initially, filling polythene
bags (provided for us by Recoverable Resources), we now collect our
cans in a can bank – a more environmentally friendly alternative.
We collected the second highest number of cans in the Dublin area last
year and were approached by a representative of Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown
Co. Council and encouraged to go for a green flag. As the only can bank
in the area, it is regularly used by the local community. Presently,
we are paid 30c for each kilogramme of cans.
Ring Can Holders
Under the ‘Ringo’ initiative, ring
can holders are collected from each class and sent to Hi-Cone in Cork
to be recycled. This recycling scheme is only run during the middle
term – but we will accept them at any time!
Printer Cartridges
We have been collecting ink jet and laser cartridges for a couple of
years now. These are recovered from us by Ergo Services and will eventually
return to the shelves of your local supplier as ‘new’ cartridges.
Plastic Bottles
A Bring Centre has opened in Dun Laoghaire that takes plastic bottles,
among other things. Children were encouraged last term to take these
bottles to school (flattened and rinsed) and at the end of a week, they
were collected and brought to Dun Laoghaire for recycling. We decided
to do this for one term only, as it was a means of highlighting the
recycling of plastics for parents and children. There is not the space
in school for long term recycling of this kind. Please continue to recycle
your plastics and take them to Dun Laoghaire – the recycling centre
is opposite the old Fire Station and not quite as far (though on the
same side of the road) as Iceland’s car park. Cans, glass and
paper are also collected here.
CDs
Last year we decided to recycle old CDs – mainly computer CDs
coming free with magazines. We bought clock mechanisms and turned them
into quite attractive clocks. These were sold at each of our last two
school fairs. On the strength of this we are considering further creative
ways of reusing CDs. Please continue to let us have your unwanted CDs.
Batteries
We have made inquiries into setting up a battery
collecting station and were informed that there is a cost involved.
Therefore, only schools that have achieved Green Flag status will be
given battery collection facilities. At present, we are collecting batteries
in Fourth Class. These are taken to the Town Hall in Dun Laoghaire and
deposited at their collection point.
Paper
Each class has two
boxes for the reusing and recycling of paper. At the end of a week,
paper is gathered together and brought to a recycling centre. Paper
is similarly recycled in the office and there is a shredder at the photocopier.
Occasionally, if not recycled, shredded paper is used for artwork!
Finally, we are
presently conducting surveys in all classes that will take a closer
look at litter,
electricity and water usage, and transport to and from school.
Thank you for your continuing support with each of the above,
James Malseed
(Deputy Principal)