School pupils lead biggest day of climate action in schools

More than 100,000 young people will be taking part in Green Day, Britain’s biggest day of action on climate change and the built environment.

Held on World Environment Day (5 June) and organised by CABE, Green Day is a new event designed to help make schools sustainable.  It offers a fun way to learn serious lessons about how we can tackle climate change.

A typical Green Day could see pupils wearing an item of green clothing to school - a journey they make on foot or bike - and taking part in a debate on whose role it is to deal with global warming. In ICT, they could create podcasts on how their city could reduce its energy use. In science, they might make their own bio diesel, and in art create a sculpture from recycled materials.

Green Day is being supported by Marks & Spencer, and as part of the activities taking place in schools pupils will learn how recyclable materials can be turned into clothing. Green Day will also mark the launch of Marks & Spencer’s range of eco-uniforms, which go on sale this summer.

Involving pupils across every year group in primary and secondary schools, Green Day will not only explore environmental issues through the curriculum but also give schools the opportunity to cut energy and make their own building design more sustainable. 

Matt Bell, Director of campaigns and education at CABE, comments: “Everything about a school should model how to be sustainable: the buildings, the lessons, how you get there, what you eat, and even what you wear.  Green Day is a fun way to embed that idea in the values and ethos of every school. “

Richard Gillies, Director of Plan A at Marks & Spencer said: "Marks & Spencer is proud to be supporting Green Day, as the promotion of environmental understanding perfectly complements our own ethical commitments and corporate ethos. This year we are launching the first ‘top to toe’ eco-uniform and it is great to be offering children the opportunity to wear environmentally responsible clothing, as well supporting their understanding of the issues involved with its production.

More than 400 schools are taking part in Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield. 

Notes to rditors

• To book a place at the photo call in your area or for more details please contact Jane Barraclough, jbarraclough@cabe.org or 020 7070 6771
• More on Green Day can be found on CABE’s website using link below: http://www.cabe.org.uk/education/green-day
• Marks & Spencer uses polyester made from recycled plastic bottles to produce the eco-uniform; the range includes a blazer, shirt, skirt and trousers.   Recycled shoes are also part of the range with boys and girls shoes made from E- leather™.  The recycled school uniform launches in selected stores and online on 5th June. The uniform is part of M&S’s Plan A commitment to ensuring key raw materials come from the most sustainable sources available. For further information, go to www.marksandspencer.com/PlanAwww.marksandspencer.com/PlanA
• CABE is the government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space. As a public body, we encourage policymakers to create places that work for people. We help local planners apply national design policy and offer expert advice to developers and architects. We show public sector clients how to commission buildings that meet the needs of their users. And we seek to inspire the public to demand more from their buildings and spaces. Advising, influencing and inspiring, we work to create well-designed, welcoming places. www.cabe.org.uk