A group of second-year students from Inver College in Carrickmacross won a national schools sustainability competition for their creative and educational "Water Agents" campaign.
The campaign promotes eliminating plastic waste by adopting a policy of banning the use of plastic water bottles within their school. Speaking to Northern Sound, Principal of Inver College, Mr Cormac Flynn said these students represent the "future caretakers of the planet."
He added that their initiative, which he "wholly supports" has the potential to remove over 1,000 plastic bottles from circulation over the educational lifetime of each student at Inver College - which is an amazing feat, according to the local principal.
The winning students from Inver College are currently engaged in fundraising efforts to equip their school with reusable "Water Agents" branded water bottles, to not only replace the use of disposable plastic bottles in the school, but to also serve as a constant reminder to fellow students about the importance of sustainability.
Speaking as she presented Inver College with the trophy, Gas Networks Ireland's Social Sustainability Manager, Grainne O'Reilly said, "Inver College has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to creating a greener world, and we are thrilled to recognise their exceptional project.
"The students fully grasped the programme concepts of promoting sustainability, presenting their project creatively, and working as a team. We hope this recognition inspires other schools and students to join us in our mission for a more sustainable future.
"Gas Networks Ireland would like to extend its heartfelt congratulations to Inver College and all the participating schools for their amazing efforts in promoting sustainability through the World of Work Sustainability Project."
