Little eco-warriors at an Aberdeenshire school donated more than five tonnes of textiles to a recycling scheme last year – and have built a shelter entirely from old milk cartons.
Lairhillock School joined the Rag Bag recycling scheme, which encourages pupils to reuse and recycle unwanted textiles to prevent them from ending up in landfill, three years ago.
As well as helping the environment, their efforts have secured £12,000 for the rural school.
Shona Grimmer, chairwoman of the north-east school’s parent council group, said the idea had “really taken off” among pupils.
She added: “Not only is this eco-friendly but it is also a fantastic way of boosting our school fundraising, and we have managed to fund so many extras that give the children richer learning experiences.
“These items include a couple of iPads for each of the classes from nursery to P7, Dash and Dot robots, an educational drone, activity mats, and even part-funding of an outdoor classroom shelter – which itself is made from recycled milk cartons.
“Our aim is to reuse as many things as possible and prevent them going to landfill.”
Since 2006, the Rag Bag project has helped schools raise more than £10 million, with about 3,000 establishments and community groups participating across Scotland.
A spokesman for Rag Bag said: “One of our best performing schools, Lairhillock School, has been participating in the Rag Bag Scheme since 2013 and has raised more than £12,000 – which is a fantastic amount for a small rural school.
“With two outdoor textile banks, this is a fantastic example of how engaging with the local community can help provide much-needed funds for the school.
“In 2018 alone the school donated more than five-and-a-half tonnes of textiles, preventing them from going into landfill and raising about £2,000 for the school.”