This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Scotland's 100th Eco School
05/11/2004
Whitelees Primary in Cumbernauld has become the 100th Scottish school to receive the Eco Schools 'Green Flag' award for its pupils' efforts in reducing waste and recycling.
Environment Minister Ross Finnie said:
"It is vital that both children and adults are aware of the impact their actions can have on the environment.
"The Eco School programme makes an important contribution to achieving this awareness by encouraging young people to learn about and improve their environment and to live in a more environmentally sustainable way.
"It is very encouraging to see the positive attitudes of pupils all over Scotland and the contribution their schools have made to the environment."
Eco Schools is an established international programme which encourages positive attitudes and actions towards the environment.
More than 48 per cent of Scottish Schools participate in the programme, which received almost £500,000 of Executive funding from 2002-06.
Eco Schools raises awareness of environmental and sustainable development issues through activities linked to the curriculum.
To become 'Green Flag' accredited, pupils must tackle:
- Litter
- Waste Minimisation
- Energy
- Water
- Transport
- Health and well-being
- School grounds
The number of primary and secondary schools within a local authority participating in the Eco Schools award, or similar accredited environmental award, has been included as a performance measure under the National Priorities in Education.