Latest news with #GreenFlags
Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wicklow student's evening dress made from old jeans wins national award
Host of other Wicklow students and schools also rewarded for sustainability efforts and projects Wicklow People Today at 10:00 When you're in a charity shop and see a nice pair of second-hand jeans, they don't immediately scream 'evening dress'. But for one talented Wicklow student that level of imagination has led to a national award. Loreto Bray Secondary School, along with other Wicklow secondary schools, participated in 'ReLove Fashion', which is a sustainable fashion competition open to young people of secondary school age in Ireland. This year, Edena Foot, a third-year student, won the national award for 'best evening dress'. With a growing focus on sustainable, slow fashion, Edena created a stunning evening dress from old denim jeans found in a local charity shop. The dress features hand embroidery and was inspired by aquatic life and the pollution caused by fast fashion. She received her award as primary and secondary schools accepted their well-deserved Green Flags at The Helix in Dublin, in recognition of the excellent work undertaken by students as part of the Green Schools program delivered by An Taisce. Along the same theme as Edena's dress, the 'Rubbish Film Festival' is a creative transition year program that provides a platform for students to explore and research sustainable development goal number 12, 'responsible consumption'. The short, one-minute films created by student teams were full of well-researched topics, focusing on themes such as fast fashion, habitat destruction, water conservation, and even AI. Coláiste Craobh Abhann took the county's best prize back to Kilcoole, while Coláiste Raithin won county first prize for the best impact film, which was presented in Gaeilge. Additionally, St David's in Greystones was awarded second place for the best film award. Another winner was Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir in Arklow, awarded a regional prize for their efforts focused on the water theme. Additionally, Scoil Mhuire Réalt na Mara in Brittas Bay received a regional award for their outstanding work on the 'global citizenship marine environment' theme and also secured a national award under the Marine Institute's explorer's education programme. Scoil Mhuire Réalt na Mara is one of only 32 European schools selected for the recently launched EU Blue Lights program.
Irish Independent
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Pics show Cork pupils leaving MEP Seán Kelly deeply impressed at their EU ‘Blue Star' achievement
The event marked the culmination of a year-long project that saw pupils from Junior Infants to Sixth Class explore the rich historical, cultural, and geographical heritage of the European Union. Principal Michael Horan welcomed Mr. Kelly, and commended the work of students and staff, particularly 5th and 6th classes and their teacher Kathryn Fahy, who led the project and encouraged their fellow students to learn more about Europe. Every child at St. Brendan's played their part, from learning about EU member states to creating colourful artwork, posters, classroom displays and signs reading 'hello' and 'welcome' in 27 different EU languages. Mr. Kelly was also treated to a rousing performance of Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' – the European Anthem – arranged and performed by senior pupils on tin whistles, fiddles, banjo, and cello, capturing both the musical talents of the school and the joyful spirit of European unity. In his address, Mr. Kelly spoke about the role of the European Parliament and how EU decisions affect daily life in Ireland. He encouraged students to value democracy, cooperation, and peace, highlighting how their learning connects them to a wider European community. Environmental awareness was a key theme of his visit. 'You are lucky to live in an area rich in biodiversity,' he told the children. 'Every action you take to protect the planet matters, whether it's recycling, saving the bees, or reducing emissions.' Members of the Rathcoole Green School Committee were delighted to share the school's long-standing commitment to environmental issues, and showed the MEP their six Green Flags, and newly installed solar panels. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Mr. Kelly also addressed the importance of mental health in an age of social media. He commended the school for fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment and emphasised the value of kindness, mindfulness, and open conversations. Wellbeing Committee pupils were very proud to display their Amber Flag, recently awarded to St. Brendan's NS for promoting wellbeing and mental health within the school community. Seán Kelly made sure to take time to speak with all the students, admire their projects, and answer their questions - ranging from his favourite of the GAA codes (hurling), to whether he was putting his name forward for the Presidential elections. Although he dodged that one, students remain hopeful for a future school trip to Áras an Uachtaráin! Before bidding St. Brendan's farewell, Mr. Kelly praised the school's positive atmosphere and commitment to excellence. His visit was a proud moment for the Rathcoole community, recognising both the students' hard work and their growing connection to European and Global Citizenship.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tell Us That One Political Take That Makes You The Black Sheep In Your Party
In recent years, US politics has become so polarizing that many people have chosen sides and felt pressured to support all of the the beliefs of their political party or candidate. In a recent online video, a TikTok user asked people to comment on a political opinion they hold that the majority of their political party disagrees with, and thousands of people shared their unconventional takes, with many people leaving comments like this one: Related: Just Buy Some Jellycats To Reveal Your Red And Green Flags So, we're asking people in the BuzzFeed Community to share a political opinion they hold that makes those in their party look at them sideways. Maybe you're a Republican who believes climate change is real and supports stronger laws when it comes to protecting the environment. Related: I'll Be Really Impressed If You Can Get 15/15 On This Really Hard World Capital Quiz Maybe you're a Democrat who supports many of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency cuts to the federal government. Or, maybe you're a conservative who wouldn't personally get an abortion, but believes the right to have one should be legal in every state. Whatever your opinion is, we want to hear it. Let us know your political affiliation and your opinion in the comments. Or, if you'd like to remain anonymous, use the form below. Your response could be featured in an upcoming post. Also in Community: If You Can Correctly Answer At Least 9 Questions On This Taylor Swift Trivia Quiz, You're The ULTIMATE Swiftie Also in Community: Wanna Know Which Disney Princess Is Your 100% Personality Twin? Just Eat A Bunch Of Desserts To Find Out Also in Community: Eat Onlyyyyyy Red Foods And I'll Guess Your Biggest Red Flag
RTÉ News
09-05-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
733 schools across Ireland receive Green Flags for sustainability
Over 700 schools across Ireland are set to receive Green Flags in honour of the sustainability goals they've worked on in recent years. 733 schools were awarded Green Flags in recognition of the sustainable practices they've introduced in their schools acorss themes such as water, energy and biodiversity. Now in its 27th year, the Green Schools Programme, which is organised by An Taisce and hands out the Green Flags, is a long-term, whole school, action-based programme and award scheme for both primary and second-level schools that covers a whopping 92 per cent of Irish schools. The programme kicked off its award season today at the Clayton Hotel in Galway today, in the first of 12 ceremonies taking place in nine locations throughout the month of May. At each ceremony, schools will be awarded Green Flags for their work on 10 themes in the Green Schools programme, and the various projects they've developed in their schools. First, each school must work on five themes: Litter & Waste, Energy, Water, Travel and Biodiversity. They then move on to Global Citizenship themes of Litter and Waste, Energy, Marine Environment, Travel and Food and Biodiversity. Each theme needs to be worked on for two years before the school can be awarded a Green Flag. If the hundreds of successful schools wasn't impressive enough, this year 15 schools are being recognised as Primary Climate Ambassadors, having completed all ten themes over the course of at least 20 years. The number of schools awarded for each theme were: Litter & Waste: 57 Energy: 1 Water: 77 Travel: 97 Biodiversity:116 Global Citizenship Litter & Waste: 112 Global Citizenship Energy: 75 Global Citizenship Marine: 70 Global Citizenship Travel: 70 Global Citizenship Food & Biodiversity: 42 Primary Climate Ambassadors: 15 Speaking about the initiative, Joanne Scott, Manager of the Green-Schools Programme, said: "Green-Schools is just one part of the global Eco-Schools initiative of more than 60,000 schools in 82 countries. That's school children around the world working towards a common goal. "So every journey to school on foot instead of the car, every tree planted, every reusable water bottle makes a huge difference when looked at on a global scale. These actions are just inspiring to see."
Wales Online
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
Welsh council criticised after pulling out of Green Flag parks scheme
Welsh council criticised after pulling out of Green Flag parks scheme Vale of Glamorgan Council removed Green Flag park status from all eight parks Vale of Glamorgan Council parks, like Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, were pulled from the Green Flags parks scheme last year (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) A Welsh council has been criticised for the way it is looking after its green spaces after it chose not to re-think its decision to withdraw from the Green Flag park status. Vale of Glamorgan was one of the leading areas in Wales for award winning parks before the county council decided in 2024 to withdraw from the scheme in a cost-cutting move. This year, Vale of Glamorgan Council has continued with its stance on the scheme, with one of the local authority's cabinet members saying parks remain well maintained and continue to "offer excellent amenity value". Conservative group leader at the council, Cllr George Carroll, said he wasn't surprised with the council's move, calling the Labour administration "out of touch" and criticising the decision to allow an aqua park at Cosmeston Lake this summer. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Vale of Glamorgan Council's leader, Cllr Lis Burnett, said: "We fully recognise how important our parks and green spaces are to our residents and continue to maintain them to a high standard. "We withdrew from the external scheme last year as we work towards a more sustainable approach with greater use of perennial plants, trees and local species to support local biodiversity. Article continues below "Over the coming year we will be talking to local communities about how they want to use 'green and blue spaces', which will guide how we manage parks, open spaces and our coastline. "We hope as many people as possible will participate." Vale of Glamorgan Council took the decision to remove Green Flag park status from all eight council parks that had it as part of the 2024/25 budget setting process. These included: Alexandra Park, Penarth Belle Vue Park, Penarth Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Penarth Central Park, Barry Gladstone Gardens, Barry Knap Gardens, Barry Porthkerry Country Park, Barry Romilly Park, Barry Not being under the scheme meant the council did not have to undertake some of the higher level horticultural tasks required or pay an external organisation to have parks formally accredited. A council document published in March, 2025 shows that the council saved £140,000 from the decision. In March 2025 the council voted through a number of other proposals as part of its 2025/26 budget, including reducing street cleansing and removing litter bins, to save £8.77m. A view of Porthkerry Viaduct from Porthkerry County Park, Vale of Glamorgan (Image: Jeremy Segrott / Flickr / Creative Commons ) Since then, the council has also looked at opportunities to generate income. In March, the council announced that it planned to enter into an agreement with Aqua Park Group to pilot an aqua park with inflatable slides and climbing frames at the eastern side of Cosmeston Lake from May 2025 to September 2025. Thousands of people are opposing the plans. You can read more about that here Cllr Carroll mentioned this in his response about the council's continuation of its Green Flag park status policy. He said: "This move is not surprising, given the council's desire to open an aqua park at Cosmeston Lakes. "These plans are completely unsuitable for this location and have no regard for the natural environment or unique qualities that make Cosmeston so special. "This out of touch Labour council should be protecting green spaces like Cosmeston, not subjecting them to overdevelopment." So far, 3,537 have signed a petition calling for the aqua park not to be installed. Vale of Glamorgan Council's director of place, Marcus Goldsworthy, said the move presented an opportunity for the council to generate income for improving park facilities at Cosmeston. He also said a number of conditions will be attached to any licence agreement moving forward to ensure ecologically important areas of the park are protected. On Green Flag park status concerns, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for neighbourhood and building services, Cllr Mark Wilson said: 'The decision not to apply for the Green Flag Award was made in 2024, and that decision has remained in place for 2025/26 as part of continuing cost-saving measures, so I am surprised that this matter is being raised now and in response to a recent budget report and not as a result of any concerns with the standards of maintenance in our parks during 2024/25. 'The decision formed a part of the budget proposal for 2024/25, which was subject to public consultation and extensively scrutinised by councillors. Article continues below 'From April 1st, 2024, we have not undertaken some of the higher-level horticultural tasks required or paid an external organisation to have our parks formally accredited with a Green Flag; though our parks remain well maintained and continue to offer excellent amenity value to our residents and visitors alike, I believe that this is what is most important. 'It is necessary to ensure that we run our services as efficiently as possible, and the decision was made in line with the Council's budget strategy which is to protect education and social care services as a priority and this strategy was supported by the majority of respondents in our most recent budget consultation.'
