Earth Day 2024 - Planet Vs Plastics

Monday 22nd April marks the 54th anniversary of Earth Day.  As an ‘Eco Nursery’ we embrace the philosophy to leave as small a footprint as we are able and to instil a message of respect for the planet.

“No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced” ― David Attenborough

The yearly theme is a focus and attention to environmental issues and this year it is ‘Planet Vs Plastics’.  We have worked closely with Plastic Free North Devon, gained our ‘Green Tree Award’ with The Woodland Trust and The David Attenborough Award ‘Schools for Nature’.  In 2023 we were awarded WINNERS in the 'Sustainable category' in the North Devon Business Awards.

We are proud of all our little Eco-Heroes and we work tirelessly to ensure that our little learners are part of our green ethos. Cheeky Monkey is our official Eco-Hero ambassador and is awarded badges as the children progress their learning journey covering a range of criteria including biodiversity, wildlife conservation, recycling, marine/coast, litter and sustainability.

Sustainable Lead Katie Webber explains, "We have a team of Eco-Hero representatives and a dedicated Eco-Hero committee. This ensures that our Eco policies and our green ethos is centred in each age group.  We notice that our children are so invested in the natural environment and how to protect our planet. They truly care for creatures and take part in bird watching surveys, make habitats in the garden, litter pick along the Tarka Trail, attend board meetings to discuss future plans and plant vegetables and wild flowers for our important pollinators."

Our Nursery Manager Sarah is looking forward to many exciting adventures and avenues on the horizon.  “We plan to further extend our services and reach out to community groups and further develop our practice - watch this space!”

What do we do to help the planet on a daily basis?

·       Parents supply reusable ‘wet bags’ for their children’s wet clothing

·       Strive to use local suppliers with minimal packaging

·       Glass milk bottles

·       Bamboo or Cotton fabric 'Cheeky Wipes' which are a green alternative to wet wipes

·       Nappies processed ‘waste to energy’

·       Reusable flannels for wiping hands and faces

·       Water saving taps

·       LED lights

·       Every room has a recycling point

·       Reuse items such as bottles as watering cans

Other activities, investments and events have included investing in Forest School training, taking part in the Surfers Against Sewage Advisory panel, hosting a nursery network sustainability support event, Highly Commended in the Eco-Friendly Business of the Year Award 2023, hosted a Toy Swap for our families during the run up to Christmas, working with Hilda’s Planet listening to a local author read her book ‘Otto’s Ocean’, welcoming a local bee keeper and celebrating National Tree Week by giving away saplings to our families.

We are so proud of our children and what we have achieved.  We continue to nurture a love for the planet and to spread our message.  Being sustainable doesn’t have to cost the earth.  Thank you for reading.