ECO-FRIENDLY pupils at Westacre Middle School held The Big Switch Off for the second year running in a bid to encourage the Droitwich community to think about its energy use.
The drive was organised by the school’s Eco Warriors, in conjunction with Droitwich Youth Council and challenged local businesses and schools to turn off as many electrical devices as they could for half-an-hour on December 6.
It was aimed at reducing energy consumption and raise awareness of energy efficiency among the town;s organisations.
Westacre’s Eco Warriors Head Thom Smith said: “Last year at Westacre alone we were able to reduce our energy consumption to the level of a non-school day.”
Children went out into the local community to canvass local shops, local schools, businesses and their parents to take part.
“The children strived for the Big Switch Off to reach more of our community this year and the Eco Warriors have risen to that challenge emphatically.
“They have been passionate about spreading our message and we aim to incorporate this enthusiasm into our next eco project.”
Ava Marshall, an Eco Warrior from Year five, said: “I couldn’t believe how many shops wanted to join in.
“Nearly every business we spoke to wanted to take part and those who couldn’t were supportive and let us put some posters up.”
Children also took a significant role in monitoring their event within their own school.
Eva Townsend, another year five Eco Warrior, added: “On the day of the Switch Off, the Eco Warriors double checked that all the lights and other electrical devices were turned off.”
The school are looking forward to receiving this year’s breakdown of how much their energy consumption was reduced during the allocated half hour.
Deputy headteacher Mrs Doolin said Westacre would be holding it every year from now on with a view to get even more schools and businesses joining the cause.
“We are very proud of all our Eco warriors and all the work they do in working for a healthier environment for us all.”
Harry Moore, a year six Eco Warrior said: “We would like to thank everyone for taking part and can’t wait to do it again next year.”
