Schools make waves with Agilico's environmental initiative

WORKPLACE technology leader Agilico Zero has helped more than 200 schools reduce their environmental footprint over the past 12 months - while also teaching youngsters about the impact of plastic pollution.

A year on since launching its Schools for Change programme, the sustainable technology provider has welcomed 210 schools across the UK to join a growing community committed to greener practices.

The UK’s pioneering circular-first managed print services supplier is dedicated to promoting sustainability wherever possible - and believes it’s never too early to begin educating the next generation about the importance of plastic pollution.

It created Schools for Change, a nationwide initiative, to encourage education providers to reduce their environmental footprint by adopting sustainable print solutions and inspiring educational resources.

Agilico Zero’s refurbished print devices ensure resources are kept in use for as long as possible by offering reconditioned machinery which cuts carbon emissions by 97.5 per cent and avoids more than half a tonne of CO2 emissions.

And as part of Agilico’s commitment to raising awareness of sustainable practices, all nurseries and primary schools which sign up to Agilico Zero receive a copy of Jessie the Jellyfish, a beautifully illustrated children’s book written by Laurie Newman.

Aimed at youngsters aged three to seven, Jessie the Jellyfish tells the tale of a lonely jellyfish who befriends a plastic bag on an otherwise empty reef. The story aims to spread awareness about the impact plastic waste has on marine life and highlights how humans can help clean up the oceans.

Schools which join the programme can also make their own Sustainability Pledge, receiving a personalised certificate along with guidance on how to reduce paper waste, energy use and reliance on single use plastics.

Today, to mark World Oceans Day and the first anniversary of Schools for Change, Head of Marketing Sam Saunders has revealed it’s been a successful first year for the initiative - urging more schools to get on board to help promote a sustainable future to pupils.

“The idea behind Schools for Change has always been to equip educational providers to make big environmental strides and in our first year, we’ve welcomed more than 200 new schools to the initiative.
“Sustainability is central to everything Agilico does and it’s a message we want to promote far and wide. By involving schools, it gives us the chance to get the message across to those who can pass it on to the next generation, which can only have a positive impact.
“Schools for Change has been incredibly well received in its first year and we’ve had amazing feedback. Through the distribution of the Jessie the Jellyfish books, we are able to spread the message to young minds - the very ones who can make a difference and help protect the planet in the future.”

Schools and education providers keen to learn more about the Schools for Change initiative can find further information at: www.agilico.co.uk/schools-for-change/