United Kingdom: Eco-Schools' success

by S. C.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has announced that over half of schools in England have achieved Eco-School status.

Visiting Long Eaton Secondary School in Derbyshire, Mr Benn congratulated pupils on turning their school into an environmentally friendly flagship Eco-School.

Run by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of Defra, the Eco-Schools programme is an international award scheme which encourages children and teachers to make their school more environmentally-friendly and sustainable. By following a simple seven step process covering themes ranging from litter and waste, to health-living and biodiversity, schools work towards gaining Bronze, Silver and the highest level Green Flag.

Mr Benn said:

“I’m delighted to see the initiatives that have helped Long Eaton School achieve Green Flag status in the Eco-Schools scheme.

“Schools have an important part to play in helping young people to build a greener future for us all – and it’s young people that will lead the way in creating a healthy environment for future generations.
“It’s a huge achievement that so many schools across England have achieved Eco-School status and demonstrated their commitment to an environmentally-friendly future.”