SOLIHULL school children are following in The King’s footsteps and getting involved in a new initiative that looks at new ways to create a sustainable future.
Lyndon School have joined the project, TREAD Lightly (TREAD Lightly: Turn off, Reduce use, Energy efficiency, Alternative source, Do something), which was launched on Tuesday (March 5).
It encourages children and young people in schools and colleges to try out new approaches to reduce their impact on the environment.
Pupil Cherry Chan, aged 15, said: “We are already recycling and doing litter picks in our local area, but are now looking what else we can do.
“One idea is to look at how we can reduce traffic outside the school. If we can come up with a good solution, we will talk with people who can help us make the changes happen.”
Ideas for schools to get involved in include going paper-free for a week, growing vegetables to cut down on food miles, turning off appliances not being used and making use of solar energy.
The idea has been researched with schools, children and parents who are keen to have a go and see the difference that can be made.
Vince Green, chief executive of Summit Learning Trust and member of the Education Group said: “Young people are passionate about the environment and can often come up with ingenious ideas that will make a difference to how they can help preserve resources.
“TREAD Lightly lets them use their imagination and empowers them to problem-solve solutions.
” We have set up the project so schools and colleges can share what is working and everyone can learn, see if it works for them and benefit from the activity.”
Tread Lightly has been developed by the Education Group that is part of the West Midlands Lieutenancy, which encourages community projects that benefit the region as well as supporting The King and His interests.
It is hoped that schools and colleges will share their ideas and results through the project to find solutions that reduce environmental impact to lead towards a more sustainable future.
Sir John Crabtree, the West Midlands Lord-Lieutenant said: “This is a terrific initiative which goes to the heart of The King’s priorities of caring for the climate and the environment.”
