CHILDREN in Littleham have been working hard trying to save the planet – and got top marks for their recycling efforts in a recent ‘waste audit’.

CHILDREN in Littleham have been working hard trying to save the planet – and got top marks for their recycling efforts in a recent ‘waste audit’.

Emma Donne from Devon Waste Education came to Littleham Primary School to complete a waste audit with the pupil’s Eco-Committee.

The Eco-Committee is a group of children with a green conscience who applied for the position and received a letter from the head teacher, Duncan Nelmes, if they were successful.

Ms Donne found out just how committed the children were and what they have been doing to tackle the issue of recycling.

The audit found that there are three materials which account for a lot of the waste from the landfill bins that can affect schools in general and the school is planning to tackle these as part of their Bronze Eco-Schools Award.

White paper accounted for 23 per cent, paper towels 17 per cent - the school has reduced this by installing hand driers –and the large amount of compostable food waste.

The school Eco-Committee are planning to address this issue by using composters.

Emma Donne said: “Many people don’t realise that many different types of clean and dry paper can be recycled, not just office type paper – this means newspapers and magazines, display paper (except sugar paper) and even wallpaper as long as it hasn’t got glue on.”

Mr Nelmes said: “This new group at school is so motivated and wants to contribute their ideas to the issue of recycling. In some ways the children are almost ahead of adults in this area!

“This is obviously an issue that will not disappear and we need to continue to equip children with the skills and knowledge to make a positive contribution toward a greener society.”

The eco-committee is planning their next steps which include participating in World Climate Day on the March 21 and contributing to Bug Month and making ‘Bug Hotels’.

For further information about the school please look at their website: www.littleham.devon.sch.uk