Felsted for a sustainable future

In addition to the school’s existing eco-friendly measures, which include recycling and energy conservation, is a list of new initiatives, aimed at reducing waste, promoting sustainability and encouraging the ecosystem to flourish at the North Essex independent co-educational boarding and day school.

Chris Townsend, Head at Felsted School, said: "The Felsted community of pupils, families and staff is committed to making a difference in the world and also to the world, by protecting our planet for the benefit of the generations who follow us. However, we know we need to do more. So, from 2023, Felsted will focus on ensuring that the need to care for our environment is a key consideration in every aspect of life at our school."

Central to the new ‘Felsted for a Sustainable Future’ plan is the wider use of sustainable materials, new recycling points, a drive for energy efficiency, and measures to encourage the local ecosystem to flourish:

• Reduction of single-use cups – instead students and staff will use sustainable and reusable water bottles and coffee cups
• Biodegradable and plastic-free items will be used as far as possible on the school site, including medical ice packs and sanitary products
• More recycling facilities will be installed around the school along with more detailed information on how and what to recycle, including batteries, printer cartridges and even contact lenses
• New student sustainability reps will be tasked with suggesting and running sustainability initiatives for pupils and staff
• Composting and the re-use of natural materials will be stepped up
• Natural habitats on the school site will be rewilded to encourage new species of flora and fauna to thrive and supporting the biodiversity of the local area

Taking responsibility for the world will continue to be a key theme in lessons and activities for even the youngest pupils at Felsted, which educates boys and girls aged four to 18.

Mr Townsend added: "Practical opportunities to encourage sustainability on a day-to-day basis around the school all help to make a difference, but just as important is the need to educate young people about the reasons why we must protect the planet for the future – their future."

To learn more about Felsted’s sustainability initiative, please visit: https://www.felsted.org/sustainability