More than 350 pupils from Duncanrig Secondary School in East Kilbride have taken part in a litter pick campaign to clean up their local area. The initiative saw S1 students tasked with picking up litter in the school grounds and surrounding area every afternoon for three weeks. Instead of council staff cleaning up the area, the pupils were provided with litter pickers and refuse bags to carry out the work safely.
The project aimed not only to keep the local community free from rubbish but also to raise awareness among the students about the amount of waste being dropped daily. Councillor Robert Brown applauded the initiative, highlighting the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility towards keeping the environment clean. The council’s ‘It’s Your Place’ campaign encourages using designated bins and recycling centres to maintain cleanliness.
The school plans to make the litter pick an annual project, hoping to cultivate positive behaviour among the students that will extend beyond their school years. Tracy McWilliams, the fundraising lead teacher at Duncanrig, emphasised the educational value of the project in demonstrating the impact of littering and raising funds for a local charity. Craig Twaddle, the sustainability lead teacher at the school, noted the project’s alignment with growing awareness of climate change and sustainability issues in Scotland.
By actively participating in such initiatives, young people are not only contributing to a cleaner environment but also learning valuable lessons about sustainability and taking action against climate change. The dedication shown by the students at Duncanrig serves as an inspiring example for others to follow in preserving the environment for future generations.
In conclusion, the litter pick campaign led by Duncanrig Secondary School pupils showcases the positive impact that young people can have on their local community and the environment. By actively engaging in initiatives like these, students are not only cleaning up litter but also gaining valuable insights into sustainability and environmental responsibility. Such projects play a crucial role in instilling a sense of pride and duty towards preserving the planet for the future.