Marland Hill Pupils Launch Eco-Mart to Tackle Single-Use Plastics

Pupils at Marland Hill Community Primary School in Rochdale are taking a stand against single-use plastic with the launch of their innovative eco-mart. The student-led initiative, which opened its doors near the end of January, aims to empower local parents and teachers to reduce their plastic footprint by offering a refillable alternative for everyday household essentials.

The eco-mart operates on a simple but powerful principle: customers bring their own empty containers and fill them up with a range of products, from shampoo and body wash to laundry liquid. This eliminates the need for purchasing new plastic bottles, directly addressing the problem of single-use plastic waste. Shoppers can choose from competitively priced, eco-friendly options like aloe vera hand gel and apple orchard washing up liquid, all carefully selected and packaged by the pupils.

Afsheen Ashraf, the link teacher for the school’s council, explained that the driving force behind the project is the students' deep commitment to environmental protection. "The pupils are incredibly passionate about protecting the environment," she said. "They are really keen for their eco-shop to have a big impact in the local area."

A.I. Image (Credit: 'evsjordan')

A.I. Image (Credit: 'evsjordan')

The project offers students more than just an opportunity to do good. It’s a hands-on learning experience, encompassing everything from the importance of reducing single-use plastics and its impact on the planet to the practicalities of running a business. The pupils have learned to develop business plans, market and design their products, manage stock, and even calculate profit margins. This multi-faceted approach has been facilitated by the school’s successful application to Pupils Profit, an organisation that equips young people with the skills to tackle the climate and ecological emergency.

Councillor Tricia Ayrton, Rochdale Borough Council’s portfolio holder for climate change and environment, visited the eco-mart and praised the students' initiative. "The experience with the school pupils was wonderful," she said, expressing hope that "local parents really get behind the project."

A.I. Image (Credit: 'evsjordan')

A.I. Image (Credit: 'evsjordan')

The launch of the eco-mart comes at a critical time. The UK generates millions of tonnes of plastic waste each year, much of which ends up in landfill or polluting our ecosystems if not reused or recycled. Marland Hill pupils are proving that even at a local level, small actions can create a significant positive impact by cutting the need for brand new plastic. This initiative not only offers an environmentally friendly alternative, but also empowers young minds and inspires the local community to take part in sustainable practices. By providing a refillable option for everyday household products, they are contributing to a more eco-conscious future and hopefully will inspire others to do the same.