The residents of Thanet, Kent will be able to soak up the sun on a much cleaner beach thanks to twelve new recycling stations that have been placed along the coast.
The project was a collaboration between the Rotary clubs of Thanet, Thanet District Council, Southern Water and the local schoolchildren, whose designs feature prominently on the recycling stations.
It’s aim was to encourage local residents not to litter on the beaches and to instead recycle their rubbish, with the local school children’s art highlighting the dangers of plastic waste.
Our newest area of focus is the environment and these recycling stations illustrate how communities can come together to make real changes.”
Following deep concerns as to how the beautiful beaches of Thanet were being affected by litter, the Rotary clubs wanted something that had more impact than a blue bin that would actually raise awareness.
Three local junior schools, Garlinge, Newington and Haddon Dene, held competitions to see which of the children’s designs would be used for the recycling stations and the standard of entrants was truly stunning.
The pro-recycling art covers all twelve of the stations, which all contain a 360 litre wheelie bin. The project’s logo ‘Its your beach – love it don’t leave it’ also features on the units along with Rotary branding.
Pro-recycling artwork
by local schoolchildren features on the recycling stations.
The official launch of the project was attended by Sir Roger Gale MP who has been a staunch supporter of the initiative. Also present Thanet Presidents and other Rotarians, Thanet Mayors and councillors.
8-year-old Holly and Lillie, whose artwork the first two recycling stations to be unveiled, got to declare the project as officially launched by placing the first two bottles in the recycling stations.
Speaking to The Isle of Thanet News, Caroline Winzer of Thanet Sunrise and Beverley Aitken of Margate Rotary, joint leaders of the project, said: “Rotary works for the benefit of local communities across the UK and we are especially pleased at this opportunity to combine all five clubs in Thanet in this one initiative.
“Our newest area of focus is the environment and these recycling stations illustrate how communities can come together to make real changes.
“The children’s’ colourful designs will draw attention to our message to recycle to protect the environment, and we look forward to more collaborative projects in the future.”
Make sure you head to the project’s official Facebook page to hear the latest news about the project as well as seeing all the artwork that was submitted by the local schoolchildren.
