INNOVATIVE ideas for a greener future were on the curriculum at Okehampton Primary School last week. During a special presentation, more than 80 year 5 pupils discovered ways they can help protect the environment and ensure a brighter, greener future, not only for themselves, but for generations to come. The pupils took part in a unique classroom project designed to show how small, but necessary, changes can help reduce carbon emissions within the home. The project was organised by prospective parliamentary candidate for the Conservatives, Mel Stride, as part of his One Tonne Green Challenge campaign that is taking place across mid-Devon. The campaign is seeking to encourage people to save a tonne of carbon each year through modest changes in their lifestyle. It allows pupils, aged nine to ten, explore the ways various activities can impact on the environment as well as highlighting how they can reduce carbon emissions. Year 5 teaching assistant, Anne Anstee, said: 'The whole session was very informative. Mel spoke to the children at their level and was interested in their ideas and what they had to say.' Mr Stride gave a presentation on global warming and the importance of saving energy, conserving water and recycling. The children then split into three groups to discover ways they could, individually and collectively, make a difference. The materials for the project included colourful posters for the classroom where pupils can see how they are reducing their carbon footprint. Mr Stride said: 'I have visited other primary schools to give my talk and this was one of the best . 'The children were all interested, engaged and had some really exciting ideas about how they would save energy and recycle more. 'I was particularly impressed with the way the teaching staff facilitated the sessions, especially given that so many children participated.'
