We examined the possibility of getting reusable masks for Covid but thought that with the protections being lifted we thought people might not use them. Then we thought of the idea of reusable bottles but when we did a survey of the pupils we realised that only one person wasn't using a reusable bottle. Then we noticed that lots of pupils had their lunches wrapped in cling film or tin foil and looked for an alternative. One of the Sixth Class used beeswax wraps. We contacted few Irish companies who made these and one 'Ireland's Beeswax Wraps' gave us a very good deal and we were able to get a large Beeswax Wrap for each pupil in our school and some for next years Junior Infants. Now we notice that most pupils are using the wraps and those that aren't using wraps are just bringing their lunch in in a lunchbox and not bothering with tin foil or cling film. Some of the parents have asked where we got the wraps and they are going to get some for wrapping food at home. We even noticed the teachers have their lunches wrapped in Beeswax Wraps now. We feel we've made big difference and the Fifth Class who will be Sixth Class next year are looking for ideas to keep our Plastic Free initiative going next year.
here's a link to our website where we mention our initiative. www.rackwallacens.com
Good news. I got a sample of 10 display pockets which we can give Ms. King so she can see could they replace laminating.
I've been asked if the Sixth Class would be happy to share their Plastic Free Powerpoints with another school when they're complete. I've said I didn't see a problem. We could aim to finish the powerpoints on Thursday.
Here's the company I mentioned who make an alternative to 'Cling Film' would we be interested in getting these so parents don't have to use plastic wrappings? https://irelandbeeswaxwraps.ie/product-category/snack-pack-single-wr
I've emailed the company and she's offered us a very good deal on the wraps so after today's meeting I've ordered wraps for each of our current pupils and also for the new infants next year.
I think these will be a good idea as it will reduce the use of non recyclable food wraps. The beeswax wraps will last for a long time if properly looked after. You can use these to cover food in the fridge too, so reducing food waste.
Maybe sixth class could make a power point for the junior room to educate them about the importance of going plastic free? We could also have a poster competition based on the theme 'anti plastic' in the senior class.
That's not a bad idea. I'll suggest it to them tomorrow morning and see if they're willing to organise it. As for the poster competition would you think it'd be better for whole school of just some classes? We should try organise a meeting of the team tomorrow or Monday.
We'll be breaking up for the Christmas holidays on Wednesday so won't be able to meet up. Would all members of the team put their thinking caps on over the break and try to come up with ideas for spreading the plastic free message in school and throughout Ardaghey.
When we started this project we planned to do something about the laminating sheets. We thought very hard but nobody could think of what we could replace it with. Luckily Mr Grundy (our teacher) thought of something. Plastic pouches, they are reusable and make a great replacement for laminating sheets.
We thought about this for a while but we eventually decided to buy reusable bottles to replace
the single use plastic ones sometimes still used in the school. However, to get good quality bottles we had to use up a considerable amount of money so we have decided to refrain from purchasing any reusable masks. We think that after the pandemic ends (hopefully sooner rather than later) we may end up dumping the masks anyways which would defeat the purpose of getting them in the first place.
We think the bottles would be the best option to go for - however we have not made a final judgement and it is still up to debate!
Our first meeting. We've asked the 3rd, 4th,5th and 6th classes for their ideas and we're thinking of: 1. Get rid of single use covid masks. 2. Get reusable bottles for the pupils in the school so we don't have single use plastic bottles. 3. Try to come up with alternatives to laminating.
