SUPs
JOURNEY INFORMATION
This page outlines your SUPs (single use plastics) eco-journey and is here to help you stay determined and on track! It contains detailed actions that you and your nursery setting can take at every step of your journey towards sustainability (including ways to share the message).
If you haven’t already, visit the Eco wheel page which will give you step by step instructions on utilising the information available on this site, in the most logical order!
If you’re one step ahead and ready to get going with your journey docs, either follow the stages one-by-one by scrolling down and reading the steps in order. Or use the menu to the left to jump to your desired stage!
Asterisks (*) highlight information relevant to the ‘Janitorial and Personal Care’ Journey.
Next step: Getting familiar with the SUPs Impact docs!
Alternatively, to view the downloadable PDF version of this content select the link below
No Priority for the environment
If you are at this stage…..
Below is a description of a setting at the beginning of its eco-journey which currently has No Priority for the Environment in terms of reducing single use plastic waste.
- Buy many items in plastics for convenience.
- No recycling.
If you are at this stage…..
Some Consideration for the environment
In-House Actions
Below is a description of a setting which qualifies for the stage: Some Consideration for the Environment, in terms of reducing single use plastic waste.
Single Use Plastics
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Single use plastics (SUPs) are identified within the setting and the 8Rs are starting to be applied.
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Wet wipes and surface wipes* are considered SUPs as they are almost 100% plastic. They should be replaced with paper wipes (see DIY wet wipe instructions poster) or reusable wet wipe cloths such as Cheeky Wipes*.
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Disposable cleaning cloths* are replaced with reusable washable cloths (this is accepted under Environmental Health regulations).
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Plastic packaging* is reconsidered and some thought is given to buying products in bulk and refilling containers.
- SUPs are sorted and recycled.
Nappies
Type
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If nappies are parent-supplied, parents are encouraged to use environmentally-friendly alternatives to disposable plastic nappies, such as bamboo based nappies. Parents are also introduced to the benefits of reusable nappies.
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If nappies are supplied by the nursery, more environmentally friendly options are also being introduced.
Disposal
- Nappies are only changed if needed.
- Nappies are not double wrapped in bags.
- Final disposal route is known.
Sharing the Message
Colleague Engagement
Pedagogy & Curricula
Parents & Community
Colleague Engagement
Single Use Plastics
Staff are encouraged to recycle SUPs.
Nappies
A system is set up to facilitate the use of reusable nappies. Staff explain during show arounds that the setting welcomes the use of reusable nappies.
Pedagogy & Curricula
Single Use Plastics
Children learn about the harm that SUPs have on the environment.
Nappies
Children aged 3-5 are shown the life cycle of a nappy. Early potty training is encouraged.
Parents & Community
Single Use Plastics
Through newsletters and posters around the setting, parents are made aware of the impact of SUPs.
Nappies
Parents are introduced to local government nappy schemes and suppliers.
Improvements making a difference
If you are at this stage….
In-House Actions
Below is a description of a setting which qualifies for the stage: Improvements Making a Difference, in terms of reducing single use plastic waste.
Single Use Plastics
- SUPs are counted within the setting, to understand their contribution to waste.
- Some of the 8Rs have been taken into consideration. Examples are suggested below:
Rethink – Milk is delivered in glass bottles, plastic aprons for nappy changes are replaced with washable reusable aprons*, typical bin bags are replaced biodegradable or recycled plastic bin bags*, plastic packaging is reduced by buying refillable containers*.
Refuse – No shopping bags are acquired with supermarket deliveries (this is already offered by some supermarkets), disposable nappies are no longer placed in additional plastic bags, glitter is banned.
Reduce – Staff only use gloves for nappy changes if necessary, and single use gloves are replaced with 100% FSC certified reusable rubber gloves or biodegradable versions which can be cleaned*, products (e.g. non-dairy spreads, pasta, rice) are bought in bulk and in reusable containers, bin bags* are biodegradable and only used when necessary (not needed for paper towel bins in bathrooms) , staff are actively discouraged from purchasing SUPs during lunches/breaks.
Reuse – Old containers (e.g. non-dairy spread boxes, milk cartons, spray bottles*) are reused.
Recycle – Items are purchased with recyclability in mind.
Nappies
Type
- If nappies are parent-supplied, a mixture of reusable, ‘biodegradable’ and plastic disposable nappies are accepted.
- If nappies are nursery-supplied, environmentally friendly options are predominantly used, however the transition to full use of reusable nappies has not yet been made.
Disposal
- Plastic nappies are currently recyclable in Wales, and should soon be recyclable in Scotland. Settings located here should utilise these facilities where possible (e.g. NappiCycle).
- If not available support for recycling initiatives should be expressed through petitions/ letters to MPs. .
Sharing the Message
Colleague Engagement
Pedagogy & Curricula
Parents & Community
Colleague Engagement
Single Use Plastics
Staff are aware of the need to reduce SUPs. They consider the environment before deciding whether to use plastic PPE (like gloves). Staff actively reduce their SUP waste, for example by using reusable coffee cups.
Nappies
Staff actively try to encourage parents to use eco-nappies or reusable nappies. Staff sign/ create petitions to support nappy recycling schemes.
Pedagogy & Curricula
Single Use Plastics
Children are taught the 3Rs. They are taught about the impacts of some of the SUPs they use – e.g. plastic toys with happy meals or magazines. Children are encouraged to be imaginative with regards to re-using SUPs and are taught to recycle on a regular basis.
Nappies
Children aged 2-5 are taught the benefits of reusable nappies compared with disposable nappies. They understand why they should potty train.
Parents & Community
Single Use Plastics
Parents think twice about purchasing products that use SUP packaging, especially if it cannot be recycled e.g. supermarket shopping bags. Parents are starting to reduce SUPs in their homes. Parents are shown the DIY wet wipes recipe through newsletters or workshops.
Nappies
Parents are invited to watch presentations about nappy initiatives and by eco-nappy suppliers to raise awareness of the issues surrounding them. Parents can borrow a set of reusable nappies to trial. Parents are encouraged to recycle nappies, if the facilities are available.
Doing well on your eco journey
If you are this stage…
In-House Actions
Below is a description of a setting which qualifies for the stage: Doing Well on Your Eco Journey, in terms of reducing single use plastic waste.
Single Use Plastics
- SUPs are minimised.
- Plastic packaging* is greatly reduced by buying products in bulk and using refillable containers.
- The 8Rs are used to reinvent and improve the setting’s relationship with SUPs.
- The only SUPs used are items those that are essential and not available in reusable containers. They are also fully recyclable whenever possible.
Nappies
Type
- If parent supplied, nappies are mostly reusable and ‘biodegradable’.
- If nursery supplied, a mixture of biodegradable nappies and reusable nappies are used, while disposable plastic nappies are eliminated.
Disposal
- The number of nappies (both parent and nursery supplied) entering landfill is significantly reduced either due to the use of reusable nappies or the utilisation of nappy recycling schemes.
Sharing the Message
Colleague Engagement
Pedagogy & Curricula
Parents & Community
Colleague Engagement
Single Use Plastics
Staff have a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of plastics, including: carbon footprints, slow biodegradation, plastics in the fishing industry and the production of microplastics.
Nappies
Staff explain and advocate the environmental and financial benefits of reusable nappies to families.
Pedagogy & Curricula
Single Use Plastics
Children actively reduce their SUP use outside of the nursery. They help their parents recycle SUPs at home.
Nappies
Children aged 2-5 have a good understanding of the benefits of reusable nappies and the issues with disposable nappies. They share this information with their parents.
Parents & Community
Single Use Plastics
Parents eliminate SUPs from children’s lunch boxes.
Nappies
All nursery promotional and introductory information clearly states the advantages of reusable nappies. All parents are encouraged to move to reusable nappies. Parents, at a cost, can dispose of their disposable nappies through the nursery.
Gone Fully Green
If you are this stage…
Below is a description of a setting which qualifies for the stage: Gone Fully Green, in terms of reducing single use plastic waste.
In-House Actions
Single Use Plastics
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The 8Rs are fully embedded into the nursery operations with regards to all SUPs.
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All SUPs have been eliminated wherever possible and all that remain are repurposed, reused and then recycled as a last resort*.
Nappies
Type
- Only reusable nappies are used in the setting.
- Nappies are pre-soaked in a solution to allow lower temperature washing .
- The tumble drier is only used to dry nappies as a last resort.
- Children are taught to use the toilet as early as possible.
Disposal
- Reusable nappies are regifted when a child is potty trained or recycled when the nappy has reached end of useful life.
Sharing the Message
Colleague Engagement
Pedagogy & Curricula
Parents & Community
Colleague Engagement
Single Use Plastics
Staff do not bring, any SUPs (not even in their packed lunches) into the setting.
Nappies
Managers/staff are ambassadors for reusable nappies and can support and advise families.Staff provide support for families as they potty train their children.
Pedagogy & Curricula
Single Use Plastics
Children understand the impacts of SUPs and share their knowledge with others. They positively influence the behaviour of those around them.
Nappies
Children understand why the best solution is reusable nappies coupled with other energy considerations.
Parents & Community
Single Use Plastics
Parents have eliminated all SUPs that the child may bring to the setting (excluding medicines). Parents are highly informed about the issues surrounding plastics and this influences their purchasing decisions. They share their knowledge with others.
Nappies
All parents only use reusable nappies at home and try to potty train their children as early as possible.