Eco-Heroes School Outreach Programme

Project Status:  

The Eco-Hero School Outreach Programme is ongoing and continues to expand through school and community engagement activities. The intention is for this programme to be sustained annually, particularly due to its alignment with World Environment Day (June 5th) and Plastic Free July. Current efforts are focused on facilitating outreach to 4-H Club schools (these integrate the 4-H educational framework into their curriculum, which focuses on “learning by doing” and personal development) while promoting long-term behavioural change and environmental stewardship.

Project Objective:  

• To reduce the use of single-use plastic utensils among primary school students through environmental education and the promotion of reusable alternatives.
• To increase awareness of plastic pollution, recycling, and sustainable environmental practices among students and teachers.
• To develop student leadership and environmental stewardship through the Eco-Hero Ambassador

Project Description:  

The Eco-Hero Recycling Outreach Initiative began as a small-scale environmental science experiment conducted with Standard 1 and Standard 2 students at Tunapuna Presbyterian Primary School. The pilot project, titled “Reuse Your Spoon Project,” focused on reducing single-use plastic waste generated from school box lunches and cafeteria meals by encouraging students to reuse spoons instead of disposing of them after one use.

As part of the pilot:
• Used spoons were collected and counted to measure plastic waste reduction.
• Students participated in monitoring and awareness activities.

The project was later entered into the Young Scientist Regional Competition 2025–2026,
where the Eco-Hero Team achieved First Place in the Primary Category. This success created the foundation for a larger environmental education and recycling outreach programme.

The initiative was implemented in four stages.

• Phase 1 involved a pilot recycling project with Standard 2 and 3 students, which measured reductions in single-use plastic spoon waste and resulted in first place in the Young Scientist Regional Competition. Environmental presentations and poster competitions were also conducted.

• Phase 2 expanded awareness activities to the entire school through presentations and an environmental mural.

• Phase 3 established the Eco-Hero Ambassador Programme, where student ambassadors conducted skits, demonstrations, discussions, and distributed reusable utensils.

• Phase 4 is currently expanding outreach activities to 4-H Club schools, while promoting environmental awareness, recycling practices, and student-led sustainability initiatives.