With green issues riding high in the public consciousness an awards scheme has launched encouraging schoolchildren to protect the planet.

Nominations are now open for the Green School Awards 2020 which honour and showcase the eco-friendly efforts of school staff and students.

And the organisers are hoping that recent high-profile events highlighting environmental issues will prompt a record number of submissions by the December 1 deadline.

The awards’ launch came hot on the heels of the UN Climate Summit and coincided with global climate strikes and Walk to School Month, the latter of which starts this week.

Anyone associated with a primary, secondary or special school can nominate including teachers, support staff, volunteers and parents.

Awards’ judges will assess the best school-led activities in the categories green travel to school and road safety; energy and nature conservation; clean air; recycling; and health and wellbeing.

Eco aware organisations backing the event joined in the official launch at the Ashford International Hotel. These included Streetspace Urban Structures, Loop CR, Ethical Earth Company, East Kent Recycling, Golding Vision, NCS Technology, and Medway Council.

“There’s never been a better time to celebrate the fantastic eco-friendly work happening in our schools,” said the event’s organiser Karen Brinkman of the KM Charity Team.

“So many initiatives, large or small, deserve praise. Litter picking, walking buses and ‘switch off’ schemes show how easy it is to make a real difference.

“We have heard of impressive recycling efforts tackling paper, plastic, food waste – and even toothbrushes! Used school uniforms are donated to families; and old bicycles are reconditioned and repurposed rather than heading to landfill.”

She added: “Young people are learning crucial lessons about why and how they can protect the environment. I hope anyone aware of green schemes in their school will say a big well done and thank you by making a nomination.”

Representatives from winning schools will be invited to an awards celebration staged at the Ashford International Hotel in February 2020. A booklet detailing winners’ projects will be available for free download to share ideas and spread best practice.

Find out more or nominate at www.GreenSchoolAwards.co.uk