Aiming for a green future

An innovative plant which will show youngsters how they could make a career out of dealing with our waste is set to open. AMY HUNT finds out more

Adults are having to ask themselves tough questions about what tomorrow could be like for today's children.

Our environment is changing fast and we can no longer afford to have the throwaway attitude to waste. But the need to recycle more and prevent rubbish from going to landfill sites could also be an opportunity for young people to explore careers in engineering or science.

In Gateshead, a brand new waste treatment plant is set to open at the start of next year. The £50m EcoParc is being built by local firm Graphite Resources, at Derwenthaugh, next to the A1. And the company is now inviting local schools to visit the site.

On a visit to the EcoParc - which will use a technology called autoclaving to recycle ordinary black bag rubbish - children will be able to experience the sights and sounds of the recycling process from start to finish.

The youngsters will watch rubbish being unloaded and fed into the autoclaves. They will also see what comes out of the autoclaves after the waste inside has been treated using hot steam. And they will watch as recyclable items like metals, plastic and glass are separated out from the rubbish, as well as learning what can be done with recycled materials.

The aim is to create an education programme to help children and young people learn more about the consequences of sending waste to landfill, the need to recycle and how people can be helped to change their habits. By learning more about recycling it is hoped that children will educate their parents and other family members. Twilight sessions are being held at the Derwenthaugh site next week for local teachers interested in learning more about the process and potentially bringing pupils for a tour. As part of the discussion sessions teachers will be able to give their views on interactive activities that can make recycling and green technology relevant to children and young people.

Primary school teachers are invited to visit between 4.30pm and 6pm on November 18, while secondary school teachers can visit at the same time on November 19.

Limited places are available so if you are interested in coming along please contact Sara Mair on (01904) 644179 or email sara@maireducation.com by November 17.

Nov 17 2009 by Amy Hunt, The Journal Go Green.

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