Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

STUDENTS ON THE POLITICAL AGENDA TO INCREASE RECYCLING LEVELS

Government regulations to reduce the amount of electronic waste going into landfill sites are being communicated in classrooms across the UK in moves to educate future generations about the harmful effects of e-waste.

In 2007 the government brought in compulsory regulations for businesses and councils known as the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (Weee) Directive. The ambitious targets were also brought in as compulsory curriculum criteria for schools with the aim of increasing recovery and recycling rates.

As environmental issues continue to dominate the political agenda, educating future voters about the measures needed to reduce e-waste is filtering through to schools in the form of ‘Enterprise Challenges.’ The challenge for the students is to plan and present a successful recycling business using electronic waste. Professional actors also help the students develop business and employability skills through an interactive day of events in line with QCA framework on Work Related Learning.

They then present a business plan ‘Dragon’s Den’ style to a panel who act as a group of investors. The students formally present their business plan and act out their own TV and radio commercials to demonstrate their marketing campaigns.

The winning team will be invited to present their business plans to Eric Joyce MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Education, at the House of Commons.

Mr Joyce comments: "Cleve Park Secondary School's Enterprise Day is a terrific idea. It puts together the '3 e's' of the environment, enterprise and e-waste and comes up with something much more than the sum of the parts.

“It's vital that today's students learn about how entrepreneurial flair and care for our environment fit perfectly together for everyone's good. I look forward to hearing of the 1st school-based Community Interest Company emerging following Cleve Park's own Dragon's Den!"

Teams are incentivised with cash prizes but are also given the opportunity to start their own mobile phone recycling company at the school.

120 Enterprise Challenge Days were held in 2007 by ShP for Enterprise across the UK.
ShP for Enterprise is the only social enterprise events company that specialise in educating young people about the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (Weee) Directive. Because of the growing importance of education in sustainability and the recycling of waste, ShP has grown massively as more and more schools book their events.

For further info on electronic waste recycling and hosting an Enterprise Challenge Day schools can visit www.shpforenterprise.com or contact Michael Glen, National Sales and Marketing Manager Michael.glen@shpforenterprise.com 01524/580691

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Notes to editors:

Cleeve Park Secondary School in Kent is holding an interactive Enterprise Challenge Day to teach students the importance of recycling electronic waste.

DETAILS OF EVENT:
Date: 31st January 2008
Time: 2pm – 3pm
School Address: Cleeve Park Secondary School, Bexley Lane, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 4JN

To attend or for further information please contact please contact Louisa Malkin louisa@mtjpr.co.uk 01772 421442 07813911068.