Curious pupils at Noremarsh Junior School had an inspiring end of term visit from local member of the local Green Party, Margaret Green.
The year 4 pupils, who are currently learning about the ocean, came well prepared with many intelligent and curious questions for Margaret to answer. They were particularly concerned about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean, 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 sadly explained, “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.
The children were also very concerned about why we have landfill sites and why fast food restaurants like McDonalds can’t use metal straws.
Margaret agreed, “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?
Margaret also talked to the children about the importance of repairing and reusing instead of buying new focussing on the local Repair Cafés. “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,” adding, “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, “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.”
Local repair cafes can be found at: Swindon Repair Café SN1 3LZ and Malmesbury Repair Café SN16 9BZ
