300 schools across the region and North Yorkshire have hosted 25 sessions promoting the production of electricity through Anaerobic Digestion.
Delivered by Bio Capital, a company at the forefront of food waste-to-energy creation, the schools programme was delivered to pupils over an 18 month period. Interactive presentations visualised the ‘journey from lunchbox to lightbox’, helping contextualise the process for students.
Spearheaded by the firm’s Community Engagement Lead, Nick Wilson, the classes primary aim was to show how valuable food waste can be, and discourage attendees from throwing away leftovers. Instead, these could instead be used to produce renewable energy and nutrient rich bio fertiliser, which is then sent to local farms to aid in food cultivation — making this a fully circular system.
‘Children are naturally curious, and when you show them that food waste can power homes or help grow crops, it really clicks. We’re not just talking about bins – we’re talking about behaviour change, and it starts with understanding that food waste isn’t waste at all. It’s a really valuable resource,’ said Wilson. ‘By engaging young people early, Bio Capital aims to foster long-term behavioural change and empower students to become sustainability advocates in their homes and communities.’
‘A huge thank you to Nick from Bio Capital for delivering such a fun, lively and eye-opening assembly,’ he continued. ‘The children were absolutely fascinated to learn all about what happens to their recycled food waste and were buzzing with excitement afterwards. His visit really brought the topic to life and helped everyone understand just how important recycling can be.’
Image: Nahrizul Kadri / Unsplash
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