Changing Attitudes to Tackle Climate Change

Environmentally conscious young people in South Tyneside are encouraging their peers and residents to do their bit for the planet.

The Borough's Young People's Parliament has chosen climate change as their campaign this year after almost 2,000 South Tyneside young people decided that was the issue they wanted to campaign on.

They have already created a video highlighting which items can be recycled in the blue bins.

Cllr Joan Atkinson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, with responsibility for climate change, said: "It's fantastic that our Young People's Parliament has chosen to highlight this important issue for its annual campaign.

"Climate change affects each and every one of us and we can all play a part in helping to fight its effects.

"Recycling our household waste is one way we can contribute towards lowering our carbon footprint.

"This short, entertaining film demonstrates simply but effectively which items can and can't be put in the blue bins."

The young people have also created a series of lesson plans aimed at secondary school students ranging from plant-based cooking to litter to the greenhouse effect - plans which a number of schools have confirmed they will use when classes resume.

Jack Johnson, MYP for South Tyneside, said: "Designed by young people for young people these lesson plans are fun, creative and informative while building a wider knowledge and understanding of the of issues around climate change.

"Working on the production of these plans has given me further insight into this important issue in a fun yet educational way. I hope other young people in South Tyneside enjoy using them as much as we have enjoyed creating them."

Members of the Young People's Parliament also plan to take part in a litter pick at Sandhaven later this month followed by a workshop where they will use the collected litter to make eco-bricks.

Councillor Moira Smith, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: "As always, our young people choose those topics which they feel are the burning issues of our time for their campaign.

"It is our future generations who will have to address the issues around climate change so it's great to see South Tyneside's young people leading the way on this crucial issue."

The recycling video made by the young people can be viewed at https://youtu.be/wpFfS5YynSA

Further information on which materials are recyclable can be found at https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/33356/Recycling-A-Z