From classroom to community: Pupils lead the charge against plastic waste

Refill is the future, and children are playing an active role in reducing plastic waste through the Ecosurety-sponsored Eco Refill shops programme.

The first wave of schools taking part in the Pupils Profit Eco Refill Shops initiative have now opened their doors, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive - from the pupils running the shops to the families and neighbours they’re serving.

Supported by our funding, participating schools received training resources developed by Pupils Profit and £200 worth of products to sell, enabling a team of children to set up a monthly Eco Refill shop.

The programme offers children the opportunity to:

• Learn why it’s important to reduce single-use packaging and how refill can have a positive impact on the environment.
• Learn how to create a business plan, apply for job roles and collaboratively launch a refill business.
• Gain hands-on experience operating their refill shop, practicing interacting with customers and creating positive behavioural change in the local community.

Small shops, big impact

During our recent visits to Trellech Primary School and Oasis Academy Marksbury Road, we saw first-hand how successful this experience has been. Year six pupils at both schools planned, launched, and operated their refill shops with impressive enthusiasm.

Selling refills of affordable eco friendly washing up liquid, hand wash, body wash and laundry liquids, the children enjoyed gaining the real-life experience of running a schoolyard shop and were excited to be taking action to help the environment.

Why is this important to us?

We’re committed to increasing the amount of reusable packaging on the market. To do this, it’s vital that we spread the word on why refill is important, enabling the public to make better informed decisions to help the environment.

Funding the Pupils Profit Eco Refill shops in conjunction with Sea Changers Marine Conservation charity provides a practical way for children to learn the importance of refill systems, allowing them to influence their local communities to adopt refill as a more sustainable alternative to single-use packaging.

If you’re interested in learning more about the project and supporting the initiative, you can find out more here.