Schoolchildren in Derby have collected 21,000 plastic bottles as part of a Rotary-inspired environmental project.
With World Environment Day and Volunteers Week taking place in June, the East Midlands initiative demonstrates the partnership work between schools and Rotary in the region to reduce plastic pollution.
Rotarians in Derby have been reaching out to schools and opening up the opportunity of creating a plastic bottle greenhouse.
Derek Rossin, a member of Newark Castle Rotary, explained that the idea that originated in the East Midlands and was rolled out by Rotary across Great Britain and Ireland.
He said: “It’s been tremendous really. We’ve re-used something like 21,000 two-litre plastic bottles that the schoolchildren have collected.
“That’s around 1,300 per school, so they are learning something important about recycling.” he said.
Derby Rotary is one of many clubs who are behind the project.
They have part-funded for the frame with the help of local businesses and donated time to install the bottles.
Each frame costs ÂŁ275, but the lasting benefits are unmeasurable.
Pupils giving their new plastic greenhouse a big thumbs up.
However, the project doesn’t end there. Schools have been using the plastic greenhouses to grow fresh produce for the canteen.
Pupils have engaged in learning about healthy eating and protecting the environment.
Derek recently re-visited Farndon Primary School after helping to install the greenhouse back in 2016.
He spoke with teachers who explained the school had fundraised for a wheelbarrow and various bits of equipment to help run the lettuces, carrots and other goods to and from the kitchen.
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