by Karen Blanchfield
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3 May 2024
Plastic pollution and litter are significant environmental challenges that require education and awareness to address. Recently, I had the opportunity to revisit Droitwich High School to present the litter program to the new year 8 students. During two "Our Planet" assemblies, I emphasized the extent of plastic pollution in our oceans and the widespread littering of our beaches. By raising awareness of these issues, we can inspire individuals to take action in reducing plastic waste and properly disposing of litter. It is crucial to educate students and communities on the impact of plastic pollution and the importance of preserving our natural environment for future generations. The Our Planet assembly showcases the positive impact of the ocean clean-up project, aiming to inspire students with a proactive approach to environmental conservation. The assembly introduces them to Boyan Slat, the founder of the project, who developed the idea as a student. In addition, litter workshops are designed to be engaging and impactful, emphasizing the importance of adopting a reuse and sustainable lifestyle. By focusing on the success of the clean-up project and the potential impact of individual actions, students are encouraged to recognize the significance of their role in preserving the planet. This approach aims to instill a sense of empowerment and responsibility in the younger generation. Karen would like to express gratitude to Wychavon Council for their alignment with our shared long-term strategy to combat litter in the district's communities. By working together, we hope to promote a reusable society and instill a sense of responsibility in the next generation to care for their community spaces and respect the local wildlife. This collaboration will contribute to creating cleaner and more sustainable environments for all residents. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Wychavon Council to achieve our common goal of reducing litter and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. Thanks to Paws on Plastic Richard & Hightown beach clean group for sending me their beach litter pick waste for this program. It has been a very impactful showcase for the pupils and the teachers. www.theoceancleanup.com