Swindon pupils tackle environmental concerns with local Green Party representative

Students at Noremarsh Junior School were paid a visit from Margaret Green, a local member of the Green Party.

Margaret spent time sharing her knowledge with the school's Year 4 classes about the environment, recycling and how they can get involved. 

The Year 4 pupils, who are currently learning about the ocean, were said to have come well prepared with many intelligent and curious questions for Margaret to answer.  

They were said to be particularly concerned about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch with questions including 'Why aren’t we arresting people for dumping rubbish in rivers and oceans?' and 'What is the UK doing about cleaning the Oceans?'

Margaret Green said: “The problem is that the oceans belong to everyone, so you are asking nations to fund research and environmental ships, crews and fuel. No one nation wants to be responsible for paying for it all." 

Noremarsh staff said the children were also concerned about why we have landfill sites and why MacDonalds cannot use metal straws.   

Margaret said: “We shouldn’t have landfill sites, we don’t need to throw everything away. Countries like Sweden have found ways to repurpose waste so it is possible.”

On the subject of metal straws she continued: “The problem with metal straws is they could cause injury if you were to fall with it in your mouth, so softer materials are better – but do you really need to drink with a straw?"

Talking about the importance of reusing instead of buying new, Margaret spoke about Repair Cafés.

She said: “In a Repair Café, you’ll find tools and materials to help you make any repairs you need; on clothes, furniture, electrical appliances, bicycles, toys, et cetera. You’ll also find expert volunteers, with repair skills in all kinds of fields. These cafes are all over the world, but you have local ones in Swindon and Malmesbury."

Year 4 Teacher Penny Lander, was full of praise for Margaret.

She said: “What an amazing woman, who has so much knowledge and delivered it so enthusiastically. The children were completely focused in the session and had so many intelligent and deep questions.

"We all learnt a great deal from her and many - including myself - changed the way we think about plastic - it's not the plastic that is the problem, it's the way we use and deal with it. Thank you Margaret!"

Margaret’s final advice to pupils was 'Don’t waste anything, don’t buy new unless you can’t mend it or it is worn out.'  

More information on Repair Cafes can be found online at www.repaircafe.org/en/ 

Local repair cafes can be found locally at Swindon Repair Café SN1 3LZ and Malmesbury Repair Café SN16 9BZ 

Noremarsh Junior School is part of Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust.  

Members of the public can visit www.noremarsh.wilts.sch.uk for more information, or to arrange a visit.