Northern Ireland Resources Network (NIRN) is thrilled to celebrate the success of its Zero Waste Schools Programme in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area (ABC Council).
St Patrick’s PS Aghagallon and St Francis PS Lurgan came together earlier this month to celebrate their participation in this pioneering pilot programme, which also included Waringstown Primary School.
The Zero Waste Schools Programme aims to embed Circular Economy principles and actions in schools across Northern Ireland, providing our young people with the knowledge to help them eliminate waste at their schools.
The first of its kind in N. Ireland, the three participating ABC Council schools became Zero Waste Champions by participating in a series of practical workshops covering topics such as food waste, waste diversion, stitching skills and challenging textile waste with partnering organisations – Tools for Solidarity, FareShare NI, Habitat for Humanity and Ostrero. This unique programme has the ambitious target of reducing consumption and introducing young people to reuse and repair as an alternative to landfill and recycling.
NIRNs Executive Director Eimear Montague comments, “The programme is key to encouraging sustainability discussions both at school and home, empowering children to become advocates for waste reduction.
“Engaging with our young people at an early age is necessary to change behaviours and attitudes towards products and materials as waste but rather as resources that can be used continuously through reuse and repair. We are so proud of all the schools that have participated, and our delivery partners so much has been achieved.”
Eimear continues, “By focusing on practical applications such as reuse and repair, students have learned to view discarded items as valuable resources. This shift in perspective is crucial for long-term behavioural change that prioritises sustainability.”
Lord Mayor of ABC Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray, said, “Huge congratulations to these inspiring young champions of waste reduction, and heartfelt thanks to Northern Ireland Resources Network for their dedication to promoting sustainable living. Each of us has a role to play in cutting down on landfill waste—by choosing to reuse and repair instead of throwing things away. It’s fantastic to see these young people feeling empowered to lead by example and encourage their peers and families to embrace the path toward Zero Waste.”
Northern Ireland Resources Network have thanked the schools involved, delivery partners, ABC Council and Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray for presenting the Zero Waste Champion schools with a certificate of completion and Zero Waste Champion Badges, a bird and bat box, which were all made from reclaimed wood.
The success of this year’s pilot sets a promising precedent for future schools. It is a testament to the power of education in driving environmental change and the importance of engaging young people early in sustainability initiatives.
If your primary school would like to get involved in the Zero Waste Schools Programme, please contact ABC Council’s Environmental Services department by emailing –
