PLASTIC Pollution
GECCO believes being respectful of the environment and acting to reduce, re-use and recycle resources is an important part of the culture and routine for both children and nursery staff.
Plastic pollution of the oceans is a major environmental threat, and a potential human health risk.
In 2018 Tops Day Nurseries gained global attention for its decision to ban the use of glitter at all 27 nurseries across the south, having become aware that it contributes to the build-up of microplastics in our oceans, harming marine life and the future of the environment. Announcing the move in a blog post on its website, the nursery group said it had stopped using glitter for crafting activities because it didn’t want it to find its way into the sea and be ingested by wildlife.
The movement sends a very important message that there is a need to change our behaviour around the use of plastics, and educates both children and parents about the environmental damage that plastic can cause.
Sparkly stuff aside, there are many other things nurseries, childminders and even parents can change in their day to day lives to help reduce the amount of plastic pollution, including:
- Changes in nappies and potty training
- Eliminating plastic and using re-usable, natural resources
- Sustainable play activities
- Change in furniture and much more!
To find out other ways to reduce your plastic usage, visit our Educators pages and explore our Blog.
Glitter banned by Dorset children’s nursery chain
August 2018
BBC South interview with Tops Day Nursery’s Harriet Pacey
