Meet the eco warriors at St Matthews Primary in Ipswich

St Matthew's Church of England Primary School in Portman Road has been working towards an internationally recognised environment protection award, known as the Green Flag Award.

St Matthew's Church of England Primary School children on Clean Air Day (Image: Kasia Zych)

The ambition has been planned out by early years teacher and Eco and School Council Leader, Kasia Zych.

Miss Zych said the children are becoming “eco-warriors” and that “they are becoming real global citizens who understand their actions and life choices have a tremendous impact on our environment”.

The children sorted the lids to create the artwork (Image: Kasia Zych)

The school calculated how much single use plastic was being discarded at lunch then introduced metal cutlery to stop the waste and got rid of any unnecessary plastic bags.

Miss Zych said: “The children collected thousands of plastic lids to save sea and marine life from plastic pollution and turned them into amazing recycled works of art to raise awareness."

On Wednesday the school held a Clean Air Day and everyone was asked to walk, cycle or ride a scooter to school to reduce CO2 emissions and the children measured the levels of CO2 in the air.

The children measured CO2 around the school (Image: Kasia Zych)

Police also patrolled the street outside the school to ensure a safe arrival of the pupils.

Local litter has also been a focus with weekly litter picks around the school playground.

Last year the school fundraised during Earth Day for compost bins and mini compost caddies.

Speakers have been invited to the school, including the local waste company to show students the journey litter should take.

Miss Zych said: “The children love it. We are raising eco-warriors really. They are fully aware that little steps make massive differences.”

She added the whole school are planning to do litter picking in the local area in the summer term too.