School eco-reps set green example

Unclaimed lost property is sent to a clothing bank

A Sussex secondary school with a team of 200 eco-reps who work to help save the environment around the building has been recognised with a national award.

The green initiative at Ringmer Community College, near Lewes, has earned it Eco Schools status.

The eco-reps check that staff and students are not wasting paper or using too much energy, and those who do are named, shamed, and could even be fined.

Stephen Green, coordinator, said 25% of the school is involved in the scheme.

The school already has solar panels, which contribute towards its electricity usage.

Recycled notepads

The eco-reps patrol the school corridors with recycling bins and collect paper, card, empty toner and ink cartridges, mobile phones, bottles and cans, and even unclaimed lost property, which goes to the clothing bank.

There are also green recycling trays for paper which has been used only on one side.

The paper is then made into notepads which are used around the school and sold in local shops.

Computers have also been formatted so that users can only shut them down, rather than leaving them on standby.

"It makes you feel like you're doing something to help the environment," said eco-rep Max Gibson.