Gwynedd schools lead the way on environment

Jul 30 2009 Caernarfon and Denbigh Herald

GWYNEDD schools are leading the way in green living as they play their part in an innovative scheme to protect the environment.

There are 74 schools across the county which have been accredited with Gwynedd Green School status, and 10 more waiting in the wings to apply for the mark.

Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen, in Caernarfon, is one of the 74 and has attained silver status.

Carol Jones, who sits on Syr Hugh’s green school panel, said: “Since we joined the Green Schools scheme we have raised awareness among pupils and staff at Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen of the importance of cutting waste, saving energy and looking after the local environment.”

The next step is to achieve gold status and to do that schools must prove that they are able to reduce how much waste the school produces, reduce energy and resource consumption, prevent pollution, care for the local environment and be conscious of the environmental impact of travelling.

Another school to be recognised is Ysgol Crud y Werin, Aberdaron, which has achieved bronze status.

Headteacher Alan Wynn Jones said: “This scheme means that children realise the important role that they play in protecting and developing the natural environment of the school and the wider community for the future.”

Councillor Gareth Roberts, who leads on environmental issues on Gwynedd Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see the children and young people of Gwynedd taking real interest in the environment – they are setting a good example to the rest of us throughout the county.

“This scheme allows children to discuss issues such as global warming, what we do with our waste and other problems society must solve.

“We aspire to creating a society which works together for the sake of the environment. The truth is that children and young people play a key role in setting the agenda for our local communities.”

alex.hickey