Northamptonshire Scouts to take on recycling challenge

The ‘Ready, Set, Recycle’ challenge which runs until end of May 2016 sees young people in Scouting across England and Wales compete to recycle the most plastic, paper, card, metal and glass packaging items at home.

The challenge is an opportunity for young people to make their mark with their recycling efforts.

If every Scout recycled one more plastic milk bottle, it would save enough energy to power a primary school for one and a half months – over half a school term.

Along with working together to do their part to improve the local recycling rate, the environment and lending a helping hand at home, Scouts who recycle the most will be awarded an activity prize and goody bags from Recycle Now – it’s an easy way for young people to get rewarded for their efforts.

Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts will learn how simple recycling really is, its benefits and the positive difference their hard work will make.

The challenge will also help young people learn the skills they need to achieve their Environmental Conservation Activity Badge.

Alice Harlock, recycling expert at Recycle Now, said: “We want local young people in Scouting to really think about recycling habits within their homes and to see what else they can do to recycle more and help their local community.

“‘Ready, Set, Recycle’ is a great opportunity for all troops and their leaders to fly the flag for recycling across Northamptonshire, so we encourage them to visit The Scout Association website and sign up.

“Scouts of all ages can track their progress online against others across the country.

“They can also access useful tips from us to help complete their challenge and find out what happens to materials collected for recycling, for example that plastic bottles can be used to make picnic benches or that metal and glass packaging can be used over and over again.”

Hannah Kentish, UK Scouting’s national Youth Commissioner, said: “We’re always encouraging our young people to make a positive impact within their local communities.

“It’s a great way to help make the world a better place.

“Preserving our environment is very much part of Scouting’s core values.

“With the help of Recycle Now, we’ll be encouraging our young people and their families to recycle as much as possible.”

Environment Minister Rory Stewart said: “As the future custodians of our environment, it is hugely important young people start enjoying and valuing nature and their surroundings at an early age.

“I welcome this competition which will give young people across Northamptonshire the chance to learn about recycling in a fun and rewarding setting.”

Recycle Now aims to make recycling as simple as possible by providing information, tips and advice at www.recyclenow.com.

It also hosts the Recycling Locator which tells you what you can recycle from your home as well as where to find your nearest recycling banks and centres.

For more information on the ‘Ready, Set, Recycle’ challenge, visit www.scouts.org.uk/recyclenow.