CHILDREN from a school in South East Cornwall have been the first in the country to see a new plastic-free red nose after their words spurred Comic Relief to action last year.
Pupils at Fourlanesend Community Primary School on the Rame Peninsula staged a boycott of the official red noses in 2019, instead creating their own more environmentally friendly versions. The youngsters felt that while the traditional red noses could be recycled, their production and sale was contributing to the scourge of single-use plastic.
The children had the backing of Sir David Attenborough in their campaign – and after writing to ask Comic Relief to come up with an alternative, the charity obliged.
Now, a new, 100% plastic-free and plant-based red nose has been created from bagasse, a by-product of sugar cane. The noses will be available from January 2021 and come in 10 different characters erpresenting animals and the outdoor world.
Fourlanesend pupils were invited to take part in a press conference with Comic Relief co-founder, Richard Curtis, environmental TV presenter, Liz Bonnin, and TV presenter and performer, Ore Oduba on Tuesday (Oct 6).
Lauren, a pupil, aged nine at Fourlanesend Community Primary School, said: “We’re very excited and happy to be taking part in the conference. We’re such a small school, but despite that, we’ve been able to do something that is going to make a really big difference to the world we live in.
“Here at school, and in our local community we are very passionate about reducing our use of plastic, so it’s a really good feeling knowing that what we’ve done has encouraged Comic Relief to create a plastic-free Nose. We were all so excited when we heard the news; it’s something each and everyone one of us will always remember and be very proud of.”
Rebecca Norton, Head Teacher at Fourlanesend Community Primary School, said: “Plastic is an issue our children care passionately about as they see so much plastic waste wash up on the shores of our beaches. They are such huge supporters of Comic Relief and really wanted to see the Nose change so they could continue supporting the work they do. The children were the driving force behind contacting our local press in 2019 and writing to Comic Relief and can’t quite believe this has all happened!
“They have their questions ready for the conference and will not be going easy on the panellists! One of the most important things to come from this for me, is that the children have been listened too – this has really shown them that they can make a difference and should always stand up for what they believe in.”
Richard Curtis, Comic Relief co-founder, said: “I’m extremely pleased that we have created the first plastic-free nose for Red Nose Day 2021 – it is amazing what you can create from a sugar cane product. Our new Nose marks a strong step on our sustainability journey. We are committed to designing a more sustainable Nose every year, while continuing to make them attractive and fun, and recognise we still have a lot of work to do in creating the perfect model.
“But this journey is an exciting one and we thank all the children and supporters who let us know they wanted a plastic free option. I’m delighted to give the environmental champion pupils at Fourlanesend Community Primary School the first look at the new Noses. Children are at the heart of our Red Nose Day campaign.”