We are thrilled to announce the winner in the inaugural Bord na Móna Recycling Secondary Schools Challenge, 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐨 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐬: 𝐏𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐚 𝐃𝐡𝐮𝐢𝐛𝐡𝐧𝐞, 𝐊𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲
Addressing SDG Goals #12 Responsible Consumption & Production, #13 Climate Action and #15 Life On Land and driven by a passion to address the global issue of food waste and a commitment to preserving the planet, Katie, Oisin and Cian created a natural range of cleaning products made from food waste.
VOC’s and other chemicals in cleaning products can contribute to respiratory issues and headaches, with the harm caused by chemicals often going unnoticed. After conducting extensive product trials, Glan Go Glas created a natural window cleaner and versatile multi-purpose cleaner which are 100% allergy safe.
What makes these products unique?
- Natural
- Eco-friendly
- Biodegradable
- Compostable
- Vegan
Beyond the Secondary Schools Challenge the team intends to expand their product range to include a drain cleaner and cleaning cloths made from hence, with further plans to outsource manufacturing to a local sustainable company with international reach, aligning with their commitment to reducing carbon footprint and food waste.
Judge Dr. John MacNamara stated it was “A wonderful example of how some passionate entrepreneurs can disrupt an established norm”, adding it was “great to see a ‘cradle to grave’ approach to sustainability in terms of the product itself and its packaging”, with fellow judges praising its innovation, practicality and future potential.
A prize sum of €2000 is awarded to Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, with €500 in vouchers also awarded to the winning team.
They join fellow winners;
- Silver – Pay AtTENTion, Moate Community School, Westmeath
Addressing SDG Goals #1 No Poverty, and #12 Responsible Consumption & Production, and inspired by the homeless crisis and his witnessing of tents being abandoned after a recent music festival, Niall sought to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and urge festival goers to reconsider their consumption habits and actions. Niall saw a tent as a vital life-saving commodity to some while a disposable accessory to others. He felt that such an extreme contrast of uses, essential versus disposable, needed to be highlighted. His dress is a statement piece that can be used to promote SDG awareness, campaigns, and promotions, with Niall approaching Electric Picnic and homeless charities.
- Bronze: Grass Sheets, Tullamore College Offaly
Addressing SDG Goals 12 and 13 Cillian and Ryan made sustainable paper using grass, water, and okra, and created wildflower seed pouches with biodegradable labels and water-soluble glue. They also ran craft workshops and educated their community on rethinking grass disposal. The judges commended the outside-the-box thinking shown, product range, initiative video and use of social media and how they spread awareness and educated younger students.
Thank you to all the students and schools who took part in this important initiative and for promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, upcycling, and environmental care within your school and wider community.
From successful mini companies and amazing transformations, to powerful messages and new ways of thinking, you showed what’s possible when sustainability meets imagination.
