ECO-UNESCO has announced that 18 youth projects from Cork have reached the final of this year’s Young Environmentalist Awards. Almost 500 applications were received, which is a record-breaking number despite the covid interruptions. ECO-UNESCO will be announcing the winner’s virtually on May 21 through YouTube live and social media platforms.
The Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) recognises and rewards young people aged 10-18 who have taken environmental action and created projects that will help solve environmental issues. The event sees more than 4,000 participants each year. Although schools are closed during this time, young people are still continuing their environmental projects at home.
Some of the Cork finalists include the Plastic Warriors from Kilcrohane National School, The Young Reducers from Davis College Mallow, The Cycle Life from Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh and Dromleigh National School who are investigating Microalgae as a potential environmental superhero.
The Plastic Warriors from Kilcrohane National School have made it to the finals of the Super Junior category for their Eco-bricks. In an effort to recycle light plastic waste, these bottle bricks will be used from material usually sent to landfill to design and construct garden furniture and will be showcased and demonstrated to the wider local community.
Elaine Nevin, Director of ECO-UNESCO said “We are delighted at the quality of applications this year and we cannot wait to announce this year’s winners. Young people are still taking eco action and continuing their projects at home, despite the pandemic. In light of this we are holding an ECO Week to celebrate the young people who are enthusiastic about making an environmental difference.”
An event that usually brings schools and community groups together from all over Ireland to showcase their projects, will now be a week-long celebration while Covid-19 restrictions are in place. ECO Week 2020 will be held from May 18 to 22 and will include a range of environmental workshops, well-being activities, talks, and challenges for young people alongside the YEA Winner announcements. The theme of ECO Week 2020 is Food, Fitness, Fashion and your Future. The aim of ECO Week to celebrate the achievements of young activists, to allow young people to explore career opportunities in environmentalism and to educate them on a range of environmental topics.
For more information on the Young Environmentalist Awards please go to www.yea.ie
