A SCHOOL has become the first in County Durham to sign a pledge promising to eliminate single-use plastics.

St Bede’s RC Primary School, Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, has joined Durham County Council and other organisations such as Northumbrian Water and Durham Constabulary, in signing the bespoke County Durham Single Use Plastics Pledge.

A group of the school’s environmentally minded eco-warriors, made up of children from all year groups who have a keen interest in the environment, have been helping it discard as much plastic use as possible. This includes steps such as introducing reusable water bottles and using tin foil instead of cling film to cover food.

Having already been awarded Plastic Free School status by the Government last year headteacher, Eve Alderson and the eco-warriors were quick to sign up to the pledge.

She said: “The plastic-free journey has been superb. The children have really enjoyed it and we have other schools coming to us to see what we are doing.

“The children are much more aware of the environmental effect of plastic pollution now and it has made them a lot more thoughtful.”

All signatories are committing to significantly reduce, and work towards ultimately removing, the use of unnecessary single use plastics from their operations.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “It’s particularly encouraging to see young people taking such responsibility for their environment and for the future of our planet.

“It would be great to see more schools across our county getting involved and signing the pledge to keep the momentum going”.

Other schools, businesses or organisations interested in signing the pledge are being encouraged to email wasteaware@durham.gov.uk to find out more information.

Information, guidance and support will be given to all signatories to the pledge, to assist them in auditing current use, and taking steps to eliminate or find alternatives.