YOUNGSTERS at a Mossley primary school have embraced a fun way of combining business skills with looking after the environment.
Children at Milton St John’s have been encouraging people to ‘think green’ by running an Eco Refill Shop.
The Mill Lane school is one of 25 taking part in a Greater Manchester pilot scheme which teaches pupils how to set up and operate a shop, selling refills of household products such as body wash and hand wash.
The shop opens once a month and everyone from staff, pupils, parents and the wider community are invited to bring their own containers to refill.
Head teacher 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 in partnership with Pupil Profit – an ethical enterprise delivering personal, social and health education.
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. There is also a selection of laundry liquid and fabric conditioner, hand soap, shampoo and hair conditioner.
Tameside Council – which has its own Think Green campaign and Climate Change Strategy – has highlighted the important role the borough’s young people play in changing habits and spreading the message of being environmentally friendly.
“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,” said Councillor Laura Boyle, Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods.
“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.”