Children’s packaging workshop a success

Children do “fun, easy, and interesting” activities to learn about how to dispose of food packaging sustainably.

During November, 200 Reading school pupils, aged 7 to 11 years, took part in workshops as part of a University of Reading project, funded by EIT Food. EIT Food is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

Dr Stella Lignou led the research. She said: “The initial findings are positive and exciting; hopefully, the children will now feel more confident about how to dispose of different food packages items.”

The team asked the participants about their experience and over 80% said that they will now change their food packaging disposal behaviour.

Over 80% of the children also learnt something new about disposing of food packaging items in a sustainable way.

Dr Lignou said: “The project focuses on the 3I’s: involving, informing and inspiring. We worked with primary school children in the Reading area via two interactive workshops and a one-week activity booklet completed at home. Most of the children enjoyed the activities and were engaged and interested.

“Children also took part in a drawing competition of a bin that can take all food packages and encourage people to recycle more, like a superhero bin.”

The project is in collaboration with Aarhus University and supported by Reading Borough Council and re3.

"Recycling Water Bottles" by Mr.TinDC is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.