Big Light Project for schools

Recolight, the national recycling scheme for lighting manufacturers has launched a schools education campaign to improve public understanding of the differences between compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and traditional incandescent light bulbs.

A key message will be to communicate to the public why CFLs should be recycled rather than disposed of with domestic waste. Marketed to teachers in April it will be available for use in classrooms from May 09.

Known as the ‘Big Light Project' and aimed at children aged 8-13 years, the educational programme will feature a specially designed character – ‘Professor Bright, Expert in Light', who will help to bring the topic of light alive to children in a fun and engaging way while communicating a serious messages about the environment and climate change. The project will be piloted across 1,000 primary and 800 secondary schools in London and the South East beginning mid-2009, with a view to a national roll-out in future years. 

Peter Lees, commercial manager of Recolight said: "With the current emphasis on the fulfilment of energy reduction targets in the UK, the uptake of energy efficient light bulbs (CFLs) has exceeded all expectations. But, because CFLs last so much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, the issue of what to do with used CFLs has not been perceived as any kind of problem. People need to understand because these bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, they should not throw them in the bin but preferably take them to a recycling centre. 

"This programme is designed to reach out to young people and their families and to assist Defra and local councils in raising recycling more household waste as a general concept and also to put CFL bulbs on the wider recycling-agenda. We want to show the adults of tomorrow the important role that they can play as individuals to improve the environment for future generations."  

The programme will cover a range of modules including history, technology, ICT and English in primary schools, and science, design and technology and PSHE in secondary schools. Available for use throughout summer term, components will include a dedicated website, a competition for primary and secondary school children and an educational film. 

More information on the programme is available by visiting www.rapportgroup.com.