Young people have their say (and do their bit)

Two events planned for the week when schools reopen after the Easter break demonstrate how responsible young people can be when thinking about their environment.

On Thursday April 10, Whitecross High School will be hosting an inter-schools event where students will have the opportunity to discuss issues around waste and what to do with it. Eight secondary schools will be represented and will take part in the 'Democs' discussion game, facilitated by sixth formers from John Kyrle High School, Ross-on-Wye.

To add to the excitement, Brigit Strawbridge of 'It's not easy being green' fame will open the event with her own ideas about waste.

Denise Strutt, head teacher at Whitecross High School said: "We are very happy to be hosting this event and are pleased the council is affording young people the opportunity to have a voice in the waste debate.

"Several schools are sending their Eco-School's council representatives with ages ranging from 11-16 years. This particular event will demonstrate that some decisions that have to be made about environmental issues are not as straightforward as they may at first seem, as finances and practicalities have to be accounted for as well. Learning about waste and decision making, plus the opportunity to meet with students from other Herefordshire Schools will make this event very special."

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for environment and strategic housing, who will attend and close the event, said: "Young people often get a bad press and are generally considered to be thoughtless about their environment.

"Taking part in this event demonstrates that young people do care and do want to bring about positive changes to make things better. Their contribution to the waste debate will be most valuable and useful," he added.

On Friday 11 April Riverside Primary School will be demonstrating its commitment to the environment by undertaking a litter-pick along the Belmont Road up to the Tesco store at the Belmont roundabout.

Once there they will be able to visit the 'Recycling Bus' that hosts an exhibition about recycling and composting, and see what happens to materials once they have been recycled. Local councillors Glenda Powell and Phil Edwards will join the litter pickers and the Tesco store will offer them all well-earned refreshment on their arrival.

The litter pick and the signs the council will be erecting at the entrances to the Tesco, Belmont, store are both part of the ongoing Streetscene campaign to try to keep Herefordshire clean. Riverside School will win a Streetscene award for their work in the community plus a new litter-bin for the playground.

Tesco will get signs that remind people not to drop litter, and the whole event will inform people that we all have a responsibility for taking care of our environment, including the simple task of not dropping litter.

Herefordshire Council is committed to a sustainable future and how we deal with waste and litter are key issues.