Cubs earn their recycling spurs!
Published Tuesday 21st February 12 in Council - news and information releases news
Local cubs in Leigh-on-Sea have gained their global challenge awards by rising to the challenge of finding new uses for old rubbish and learning about recycling.
Cory Environmental and their Community Recycling Advisors were invited to join a local Cub Scout Group based in Leigh-on-Sea to help them take a fresh look at waste and learn more about living greener.
Piles of empty plastic milk bottles and mixed household rubbish faced the group in their task to earn the global challenge award.
Getting creative, the young cubs transformed the pile of ordinary plastic milk bottles into a whole herd of recycled elephant containers and toys.
Other activities on the night included a rubbish sort to test the youngsters' knowledge of what can and can't be recycled in Southend-on-Sea and highlighted the increasing problem of waste.
As a result 18 cubs achieved one of their challenge badges to wear proudly on their uniform.
Lesley Hyde, Akela at the 9th Leigh Group, said "The fun way the subject was delivered really captured the imagination of our cubs.
"By showing their creativity and demonstrating how they can transform waste into a fun product meant they gathered enough skills to earn their much sought after challenge award in the process."
Emma Cheesman, Recycling Manager from Cory Environmental, said 'We know that residents are keen to do what they can to help increase the amount we recycle in Southend.
"These young people were really enthusiastic to know more and make sure that when their families recycle at home, they are doing it correctly.
"This event was a great way to engage with local young people about recycling and help them gain their global community award at the same time."
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Waste, Public Protection and Transport, Tony Cox, said: "It's great that our local Cubs are getting good early awareness of the benefits of recycling.
"It's important that we get the recycling message across to the borough's youngsters because they are the recyclers of the future."
Cory Environmental is keen to hear from scout and guide groups as well as other local community groups in the borough who may also welcome a free visit from the team. To arrange a visit please email lmulchrone@coryenvironmental.co.uk or call 01702-617766, ext 211