St Lawrence College has been highly commended in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards 2024 for its outstanding “Fastidious Food Waste Fighters” initiative, which aims to reduce food waste and promote sustainability.
This initiative, led by Year 6 pupils Algie, Jonny, Remi, and Reuben, was inspired by their observations of significant food wastage in the Dining Hall. Supported by Mr James Marsh, Year 6 Form Teacher and Head of PE and Boys’ Games, the students devised practical solutions, including dishwasher-proof stickers for trays indicating smaller portion preferences and a ‘Scrape Away System’ to streamline waste segregation.
Launched in January, the project quickly gained support from the Holroyd Howe Catering team, fellow students, and the broader College community, leading to significant reductions in food waste. Their efforts earned them a finalist spot and a win at the BETT Design4SDGs Challenge in the Responsible Consumption and Production category. Inspired to advocate for national adoption, the Fastidious Food Waste Fighters aim to engage catering companies in schools nationwide.
Ellen Rowe, Head of Junior School, commented, “We are all committed to educating children on sustainability, but it was truly exciting to see the children lead this project. We are incredibly proud of their leadership and maturity. The dedication and ingenuity of our Year 6 pupils in tackling food waste have been truly inspiring. This recognition in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards is a testament to their hard work and commitment to sustainability. We look forward to seeing how their initiative will continue to grow and inspire others within our community and beyond.”
