Over 20,000 schools will be taking part in the project through the environmental charity’s Eco-Schools programme. It is a global programme involving 19.5 million children from 67 countries, making it the largest educational programme in the world.
The initiative is being supported by Keep Britain Tidy recycling partner Harrogate Water along with Plastipak, one of the 'global leaders' in sustainable packaging and recycling.
Richard McIlwain of Keep Britain Tidy said: “We are currently working with Harrogate Water and Plastipak on the new Waste and Recycling module. In 2019 ‘The Challenge’ will be a call to action for all participating schools to take part in a national survey assessing recycling in schools, finding out what waste management resources they have available as well as understanding local authority collections and recycling services.
“This National survey will be the first if its kind and will allow the schools to help advise on what they believe we should be doing to improve provision and help harmonise recycling services in schools across the country. The report will be published in an easy-to-use infographic format and made available to all relevant parties.”
As part of the project, Harrogate Water will producing a video showing the lifecycle of one of their bottles. All PET bottles of Harrogate Spring are 100% recyclable and contain at least 50% recycled content, processed and supplied by Plastipak.
Harrogate Water brand manager Nicky Cain said: “The Eco-Schools project will promote discussion around waste, recycling and the circular economy in the classroom. We know that children are passionate about the environment and want to lead the way in making positive changes.
“This programme gives them the opportunity, not only to uncover the facts about packaging and recycling but to influence the way forward towards a more sustainable future.”