First batch of Ecobricks delivered to Lockyer’s Middle School
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Hamworthy staff delivered their first batch of bottles filled with unrecyclable plastic to Lockyer’s Middle School in Corfe Mullen. In March, Hamworthy launched an initiative for an eco-friendlier office by encouraging staff to collect unrecyclable plastic and - rather than throwing it away - fill plastic bottles with it. The concept came from the worldwide Ecobrick movement which promotes a more responsible use of plastic to reduce environmental pollution.
Inspired by Education Secretary Damian Hind recently challenging schools to eliminate using single-use plastics by 2022, Lockyer’s Middle School, part of the Wimborne Academy Trust, picked up the idea of making and using Ecobricks themselves. Their first goal is to make 250 to build something with them. Pupils are also encouraged to reuse their water bottles, use refillable pens and reduce their food packaging.
Hamworthy staff donated 15 Ecobricks of different sizes which will be put to good use. The children are currently making suggestions for what they can build with them.
Gemma Hitchens, finance manager and member of the CSR team at Hamworthy whose daughter attends the school, said,
“It is quite astonishing how much plastic you can fit into one of these bottles – they need to be tightly packed to make good bricks. While this is for a good cause, we were also surprised how quickly they filled up. It is certainly a stark reminder of how much plastic we use in our daily lives which should spur us on to reduce and recycle.”
Hamworthy is currently also collecting toiletries and cosmetics for Dorset Cancer Care and will continue to do the same with CDs, DVDs and jigsaw puzzles for other local charities and organisations over the coming months.
Hamworthy is also fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support to which Groupe Atlantic UK and ROI brands donated over £38k.