Future Makers’ Plastic Recycling Campaign Launches at South Wilford Primary School
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Future Makers is on a mission to revolutionise plastic recycling. It recently launched its latest campaign at South Wilford Primary School in Nottingham. Engaging with over 300 enthusiastic pupils and teachers, it discussed the solutions being developed at its creative studio in Nottingham. Highlighting the value of this versatile, long-lasting material and how it plays a significant role in modern life, Future Makers encouraged everyone to think about how they can recycle plastics from their home and school environments to create beautiful things.
Educating Young Minds on the Importance of Plastic Recycling
Our visit started with an educational assembly where students learned how to identify various types of plastic around their homes. We emphasised the importance of cleaning and drying their High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene (PP) plastics before dropping them off at the school’s designated collection point.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, and in just the first week, the pupils managed to collect an impressive 10 kg of plastic – well on their way to the 25kg+ target, to create a beautiful planter for their school.
The planter will be an artistic asset and also provide a habitat for bees and butterflies, showcasing the tangible benefits of recycling.
Changing Perceptions of Plastic
To understand the impact of its campaign, Future Makers caught up with some of the pupils one week later and asked how their perceptions of plastic had changed since the assembly.
What did you think of plastic before Future Makers came into school?
“I thought plastic was something you could just throw in the bin, kind of useless.”
“I thought plastic is just a daily thing that you use. I didn’t think much about it”.
What did you learn from the assembly?
“I learned that you can make anything out of it. You can shred it and make artwork, furniture, and useful things.”
“I learned about the different types of plastic and what they are used for”.
Have you brought any plastic for recycling?
“Yes, and since we have a bin at school now, more people are doing it.”
“I’ve brought some plastic from home.”
The Benefits of Plastic Recycling for the Plastic Industry
For those in the plastic industry, this campaign is not just a school project; it represents a critical shift in how plastic waste is perceived and handled. The industry has faced significant backlash due to the growing transparency around the plastic pollution problem, particularly in the oceans, as highlighted by the recent film X Trillion.
The current recycling infrastructure is not sufficient to cope with the staggering volume of plastic being produced, which is set to triple by 2060, leading to environmental degradation and growing negative public perception.
Future Makers believes in the potential of plastic as a valuable resource to be harnessed and kept in a closed-loop system. Its work demonstrates that plastic can be recycled locally into beautiful artwork, outdoor furniture, and useful products.
By providing the infrastructure and education needed to recycle plastic effectively, Future Makers is changing the narrative around plastic from one of waste to one of opportunity and innovation.
See some of the innovative ways artists are working with Future Makers to recycle plastic, creating sculptural and practical artwork, such as Ripple, the stunning sculpture at Broadway, and the Arts Council England project, due for completion this summer.
Call to Action for Potential Sponsors
Future Makers invites those in the plastic industry to join them in this transformative journey. By sponsoring projects like the campaign at South Wilford Primary School, sponsors can play a pivotal role in reshaping public perception and proving that plastic is a valuable material to be reclaimed, reused, and recycled.
Support will not only help educate the next generation about the importance of recycling but also showcase a commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Together, it is possible to turn the tide on plastic waste and create a future where plastic is seen as a resource for creating beautiful, innovative, sustainable products.
Get Involved
To learn more about how you can support Future Makers initiatives or to discuss potential sponsorship opportunities, please contact them at Hello@future-makers.co.uk.
Read more news from Future Makers here.
