Errigal College from Letterkenny in Co Donegal has been named the winner of the 2018 SEAI One Good Idea competition for their campaign ‘Bottle It’. The campaign aims to reduce energy use and tackle plastic pollution by encouraging everyone to use BPA free reusable bottles and to refill their bottle instead of buying bottled water. With more than three million tons of plastic bottles going into landfill across the world each year, the students of Errigal College want to reduce their waste plastic and make their school a plastic free zone.
The team from Errigal College were one of 20 finalists to reach the SEAI One Good Idea National Finals, which took place at the Printworks, Dublin Castle. For the last ten years, the SEAI One Good Idea Competition has encouraged students to create innovative campaigns that can make a big difference in schools, homes and communities to how we use energy in our daily lives. This year, over 200 campaigns were developed by young people all over Ireland.
Senior Post Primary Winner – ‘Rewind, Rewear, Remodel’, from Coláiste Mhicíl, Limerick City
The team from Coláiste Mhicíl wanted to change the way people shop for clothes. With many major clothing retailers selling ‘fast-fashion’ the ‘Rewind, Rewear, Remodel’ Team are teaching their school about eco-friendly fashion.
Junior Post Primary Winner – ‘Food Fanatics’, from Meánscoil Gharman, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford
The ‘Food Fanatics’ are encouraging their classmates, teachers and community to eat local, in season produce. Eating locally grown produce reduces food miles, as well as supporting local jobs and promoting food security.
Primary Winner – ‘The Laundry Brigade’, from Castlegar National School, Castlegar, Co Galway
‘The Laundry Brigade’ is calling on people to change how they do their laundry. Hand wash clothes and avoid the tumble dryer to save energy and keep your clothes in good condition.
Primary Runner Up – ‘Legendary Light Savers’, from St Michael’s National School, Sneem, Co Kerry
Save energy by switching off the lights. The ‘Legendary Light Savers’ invented Mr BEE, a friendly character who reminds you to switch off the lights.
Ten Year Special Merit – ‘S.O.S (Save Our Seas)’, from Abbey Community College, Boyle, Co Roscommon
The ‘S.O.S (Save Our Seas)’ team want to raise awareness of ocean acidification and encourage people to reduce the amount of unnecessary plastic packaging they consume by opting for a reusable shopping bag and purchasing loose fruit and vegetables.
