Think Green and Bottle a Bargain at School Eco Refill Shop

Schoolchildren are creating a more sustainable future by running an Eco Refill Shop to encourage people to Think Green.

Milton St John’s Primary School in Mossley is one of 25 schools taking part in the Greater Manchester pilot scheme.

It teaches pupils how to set up and operate a shop selling refills of household products such as body wash and hand wash. The shops open once a month and everyone from staff, pupils, parents and the wider community are encouraged to bring their own containers to refill.

The aim is to give young people the skills and tools to play a part in tackling the climate emergency and be part of the UK’s low-carbon circular economy. It also teaches workplace skills and builds good habits.

The products are made in the UK, cruelty free, vegan, environmentally responsible, and affordably priced – ranging from £1.50 for 500ml of washing up liquid to £2.75 for a 500ml refill of body wash.  There is also a selection of laundry liquid and fabric conditioner, hand soap, shampoo and hair conditioner.

Headteacher Lisa Gallaher said: “The children have been really enthusiastic about taking part in our refill store, which they have named as our Eco Earth Shop and designed a logo for.

“It’s a great way of teaching our pupils the business skills and responsibilities needed to run a shop as well as environmental awareness and getting involved in the community.”

The shops are being delivered in partnership with Pupil Profit, an ethical enterprise delivering personal, social and health education.

Tameside Council’s Think Green campaign aims to inspire residents and local businesses to join the journey to a cleaner and greener Tameside. It’s part of the Council’s Climate Change Strategy , an action plan which creates collective responsibility for the borough’s environment. A key part is the important role the borough’s young people play in changing habits and spreading the message of being environmentally friendly.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods, Councillor Laura Boyle said: “Well done to Milton St John’s Primary School in leading the way by providing a refill and reuse shop with environmentally friendly and affordable products that the community can benefit from.

“It’s helping reduce our consumption and the amount of plastic waste we create and encouraging better and more sustainable behaviour to help make Tameside a greener place to live, work and grow.”

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, Councillor Leanne Feeley said: “This fantastic scheme is not only fostering a strong understanding of the importance of sustainability in our young people, it’s also helping children to develop entrepreneurial and business skills, while actively encouraging the community to reduce their plastic waste.”

For more information on the school eco refill campaign, please visit: www.gmgreencity.com/projects-and-campaigns/school-eco-refill-pilot

For more information about Think Green, please visit www.tameside.gov.uk/thinkgreen