Together with Change by Degrees, primary schools across Tipperary will get support, free workshops and mentorship to become plastic-free ambassadors for their communities    

What if the pupils of every single primary school in Tipperary became ambassadors in turning the tide against plastic pollution?

Funded by The Tony Ryan Fund for Tipperary at The Community Foundation for Ireland, we are looking for up to 50 primary schools to start the school programme Plastic Free 4 Schools and together have a significant impact on raising awareness and reducing plastic pollution for the whole of County Tipperary.

Plastic Free 4 Schools provides a framework to teach school children the impact of plastic waste on our environment while providing simple guidelines to engage them in reducing their own waste. The programme focuses on three achievable actions: 1. Encourage reusable water bottles, 2. Say no to plastic in lunch boxes and 3. Say no to plastic straws.

Tara Shine and Madeleine Murray designed the programme for primary schools in 2018 as part of a number of interventions allowing communities to reduce their environmental impact.

In the summer, they teamed up with ChangeX to spread the idea across the country. Within just a few weeks, more than 70 teachers applied to get the idea started in their schools.

Schools who register on ChangeX will get free in-person workshops and the ongoing support they need to make the idea successful in their schools. 

To join Plastic Free 4 Schools Tipperary you just need to register your interest as a teacher or parent on changex.org/plasticfree4schools

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As part of the same fund, later this year, we will also offer training for teachers who want to start Playworks, a fantastic program that turns break time into a more enjoyable, active and less stressful time for kids and teachers. You can register your interest here but the training will take place later in the year.