For the sake of our children – The WASUP project (World Against Single Use Plastic)

ABSTRACT

262 Figure 1WASUP Ambassador in Sierra Leone talking about the story of three Plastic bottles written by Professor Gatrad[Figure omitted. See PDF] 262 Figure 2Winner of the plastics artwork exhibition[Figure omitted. See PDF]ResultsFrom a handful of litter picking volunteers, there are hundreds now, including accompanied children. The council has employed staff to oversee litter picking activities and ‘anyone’ can now pick litter and leave it in a transparent bag next to a council bin. Over 50 canal clean events have taken place - secondary school children ‘fishing plastic from the CRT boats.Thirty-three schools took part and learnt about plastic over 3 days in the plastic exhibition. Birmingham Education Partnership, Lendlease and four other construction companies arrange school presentations for WASUP.Working with the Commonwealth Games 2022, many schools have joined the 2022 challenge whereby a WASUP trophy will be presented to any school collecting 2022 bags. Commonwealth Games are involved in the distribution of books locally and eBooks to Commonwealth countries.The gardens are planned and built by pupils and help children connect with nature. The litter picking and gardens, are no doubt helping everyone’s mental and physical wellbeing, particularly during Covid.Over 6000 spectacles were sent out to various countries just in 2021.ConclusionWithin 4 years there are WASUP ambassadors in many parts of the UK and over 30 countries enthusing children in their respective schools (figure 2). WASUP has been presented with the Green Award and the David Middleton Sustainability Award.