School uniform reuse project to be piloted

A new project is being piloted in South Kintyre to reduce waste and help make school uniforms more affordable.

 

The scheme, involving the recycling of pre-owned uniforms, is supported by Argyll and Bute Council, in collaboration with schools and early learning centres, Kintyre Recycling Limited, Inspiralba, Keeping It Local CIC and Launder-Aide.

 

The project's main objective is to avoid waste and promote reuse for environmental sustainability, while providing access to affordable uniforms for a small donation to support the ongoing work.

 

This will involve donations of uniforms, which will be collected, laundered and redistributed, through an ordering process, to families.

 

The pilot will run from June to August, with the following nine primary schools and early learning centres (ELC) involved so far: Dalintober Primary School and ELC, Carradale Primary School and ELC, Drumlemble Primary School and ELC, Castlehill Primary School, Campbeltown Nursery Centre and Glenbarr Primary School.

 

Uniforms can be donated to banks at any of these schools or directly to Kintyre Recycling at Hazelburn Business Park.

 

For more information about the Kintyre uniform reuse project, contact Inspiralba by telephoning 01586 552240.

 

Parents and carers surveyed

 

A survey was recently distributed to parents and carers, in which recipients were asked about their thoughts on the project, how useful the programme would be for them personally and if they would be willing to get involved.

 

Based on the 47 responses received, 100 per cent of recipients said they were in support of the uniform reuse programme.

 

More than half – 53.2 per cent – said they would donate uniforms and their children would wear the reused items, 44.7 per cent said they would donate uniforms only and 2.1 per cent said they could not donate but their children would wear the reused uniforms.

 

No respondents said they would not use the programme.

 

When asked what items of clothing they thought would be most suitable for reuse, respondents said jumpers, skirts, trousers, polo shirts, shoes and PE kits, adding that pre-owned coats, school bags, shorts and dresses would also be useful.

 

In general, respondents were very positive about the programme and indicated that a uniform reuse project is especially useful in the current situation with the cost of living rapidly increasing.