Essex Primary School pupils launch Manor Park swap shop

Year four children from Essex Primary School spent a year learning about climate change as part of the Green Schools Project’s Zero Carbon Schools initiative.

To engage their community, they created art, poems, and raps, and highlighted the detrimental effects of waste.

All smiles at the swap shop (Image: Green Schools Project) Their efforts culminated in a sustainable summer bazaar in July, where pupils unveiled various recycled products.

A swap shop saw kids collect spare uniforms for reuse.

Pupils wrap pre-loved uniforms (Image: Green Schools Project) Zenobia Talati, impact manager at Green Schools Project, said: “The year four pupils did such a great job designing their uniform swap shop as part of their Zero Carbon Schools projects to reduce their school’s carbon emissions.

“They took such care wrapping the uniform up beautifully with handwritten notes inspiring others about the benefits of pre-loved uniform.

“Parents really supported the swap shop because they wanted to save money and reduce waste.

Pupils designed handmade pouches using recycled fabrics and bold lettering (Image: Green Schools Project) “Some of the parents now want to help with the ongoing uniform swap.”

School teacher Mr Parker joins families at the swap shop launch in Manor Park (Image: Green Schools Project)

A school spokesperson said: “Our passionate pupil eco team collaboratively worked with the Green Schools Project to converse with the wider community, to project positive change in regards to our environment.

“Our generous parents donated numerous unneeded uniforms for other parents to take free of charge.”

The pupils also collaborated with local facilitator Mareeam to repurpose old T-shirts and fabrics into new items, including pouches and banners.

They were also joined by Rent Flair, a rental platform promoting circular fashion.